Early Times Report
Srinagar, Jan 31: Taking a strong note of consumers indulging in hooking and resorting to power theft Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Wednesday ordered ban on procuring, selling of nichrome coil-based heating gadgets in the Valley.
In a communication a copy of which lies with Early Times the KPDCL said: “Your immediate attention is invited towards the Govt Order No. 72-PDD of 2018 dated 27/08/2018 issued by the Power Development Department wherein a complete ban has been imposed on manufacture or import or transport or sale or purchase or use of Nichrome Coil-based crude heaters, boilers, and steamers as the same do not conform with required specifications of BIS or the International Electro-Technical Commission.”
“In consonance with the above orders, all Electric Divisions have done a remarkable job in seizing these crude heating appliances from a vast majority of the consumers. However, it has been observed that after seizure, the consumers buy fresh Nichrome coil- based crude gadgets from the market where these are easily available, and revert to abuse of el Complete ban has been imposed on sale or purchase or use of crude heaters, boilers, and steamers
These devices do not conform with required specifications of BIS or the International Electro-Technical Commission.
Despite Kashmir facing an acute power crisis, people continue to use crude devices and resort to hooking.
KPDCL officials can approach the District Administration for ensuring compliance of the ban orders.
“In order to permanently remove the availability of Nichrome coil based heaters, boilers and steamers from the markets, you are hereby directed to implement the aforesaid Government Order by circulating a copy of the same amongst the business outlets dealing in electrical equipment/ items. They shall be advised not to procure and sell any Nichrome coil based heating gadgets, failing which the same shall be seized,” it added.
“You are also advised to approach the concerned District Administration for ensuring compliance of the orders passed by the Government,” it said.
An official of the KPDCL said, “The dry spell that prevailed in Jammu and Kashmir led to decline in power generation and the corporation is acquiring the electricity from outside at very high rates. Despite Kashmir facing an acute power crisis, people continue to use crude devices and resort to hooking. Actions of consumers are making things difficult for us. The ban on crude equipments has been reinforced and it would help in saving the electricity and power pilferages.” | 