early times report
Leh, Nov 9: A review meeting on the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and other power sector initiatives in the Union Territory of Ladakh was held today under the chairmanship of Shri Prince Dhawan (IAS), Executive Director (PMD-RDSS), REC Limited at the Conference Hall, DC Office, Leh.
The meeting was attended by Shri Rudra Goud P’T (IAS), Secretary, Power and New & Renewable Energy Department, UT Ladakh; the Chief Engineer, Power Development Department (PDD), Ladakh; SE Power Development Department, PO REC Jammu, Senior General Manager, POWERGRID Leh; along with Project Managers, Managing Directors, and senior officials from various departments and implementing agencies.
During the meeting, Shri Prince Dhawan reviewed in detail a comprehensive presentation on the progress of multiple agenda items, including the implementation status of RDSS, installation of smart metering systems including status of switching to prepaid system, establishment of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and the status of the existing and upcoming 220 kV transmission network in Ladakh.
While discussing the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), Shri Prince Dhawan reviewed in detail the project-wise awarded cost, physical progress, financial progress, and the estimated completion timelines. He also examined the latest progress snapshots of the Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD) to assess the overall performance and pace of ongoing works under the scheme, in which he deliberated on critical issues related to the clearance of forest and wildlife lands, which have been affecting the timely execution of certain projects in wild life sanctuary areas of Changthang and Nubra. He also reviewed the status of various proposals pertaining to the construction of 66 kV and 11 KV transmission lines and the establishment of 66/11 kV substations at Chushul, Nyoma, Hanle, and Koyul and also specifically discussed matters concerning the Loss Reduction works under RDSS in UT Ladakh awarded to Turnkey Contract (TKC).
In addition to the above, Shri Prince Dhawan (IAS) also reviewed the progress of the Border Area Package for Nubra and Changthang, being executed under RDSS by the Turnkey Contractor (TKC) i.e M/s GEPDEC. He examined the status of the upstream network, the upcoming 220 kV transmission system of Nobra, and the ongoing smart metering works across the Union Territory.
During the review, Shri Dhawan took a detailed assessment of the Unified Billing System (UBS) and the smart metering implementation for the remaining consumers under the Special Development Package (SDP). He also reviewed the status of UBS implementation across UT Ladakh and the proposals submitted by LPDD for the installation of smart meters for the balance 18,279 consumers yet to be covered under the scheme and is pending with MoP & MHA for approval.
Similarly, discussions were held on the status of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Ladakh, during which representatives from BPCL, HPCL, and IOCL deliberated on their respective progress summaries and ongoing initiatives.
Furthermore, the meeting also discussed and deliberated upon the status of evaluation for the Financial Year 2024–25 under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
Detailed discussions were held on the disbursement of the Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) as per the Tripartite System Agreement (TSA) and the utilization plan for subsequent GBS tranches required to support ongoing and upcoming works under the scheme. And In addition to that, the Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD) presented its proposals for the electrification of Army and ITBP border posts in the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) sector through grid connectivity.
Shri Dhawan appreciated the initiative, emphasizing the strategic importance of providing reliable and sustainable power supply to remote border areas and directed concerned officials to expedite the necessary approvals and coordination with relevant agencies for early implementation. He also visited the NOMC of the Ladakh PDD at Choglamsar for smart metering and its data display and transaction as per the guidelines of Ministry and suggested for a very efficient team of IT Engineers in Ladakh PDD, which is the need of the hour. |
