| No end to power shutdowns, Jammu gasps for oxygen | | |
Early Times Report
Jammu, May 13: Even as external power supply continues to be crucial for oxygen support to Covid patients at home, there’s to end to power shutdowns in Jammu.
Despite public outcry, the authorities have been announcing fresh power shutdowns. In the last around a week, at least three shutdowns were announced, with medical experts saying it can risk lives of those on oxygen support at home.
While the officials say that “shutdown is necessary for repair and maintenance work lest delay results in a major breakdown” the Covid affected in need of electricity say they are suffering unheard.
“When the power goes off, the patient feels breathlessness and the point is that non functioning of oxygen concentrators for three four hours at a stretch can affect the lungs of patients,” said a senior medico on the condition of anonymity.
He said the concerned in power distribution should take advise from medical health experts about the duration of the shutdown.
“Not every family in Jammu has a UPS or generator that it can manage to run oxygen machines without external power supply, the concerned should take note of this,” the medico said.
It is pertinent to mention that on May 4, the government announced yet another formal shutdown of power in Jammu.
“In order to carry out various upgradation/repair works, the power supply to Gajansoo, Galwade, Lale Ki Kile, Kripalpur, Budhu Chowk and their adjoining areas shall remain affected on May 05 and 10 from 10 am to 02 pm,” said the handout said.
The handout spoke about shutdown for days to come. “Similarly, the power supply to Dream City, Majahan Mohalla, Barnal and adjoining areas shall remain affected on May 05, 09, 11 and 13 from 10 am to 02 pm,” it said.
In another official handout on May 3, the government said: “To execute various development works, the power supply to Jagti, Nagrota, PHE, Migrant Colony, Bamyal, Kattal Batal, Sainik School and adjoining areas shall remain affected on May 04 from 2 pm to 4 pm.”
“Similarly, the power supply to Bantalab, Radio Station, CRPF, Lakshmipuram, Chinore, Exchange, AYUSH Hospital, Keran, Rajinder Nagar and adjoining areas shall remain affected on May 04 from 9 am to 11 am.
The concerned in the power supplies have been saying that “repairs and maintenance” are vital to ensure smooth flow of electricity or that a delay can lead to major faults that can lead to breakdowns. |
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