Varanasi: Ahead of peak summer, energy minister AK Sharma on Thursday sought a report on the status of power supply, capacity enhancement, maintenance works, availability of transformers and fault response system. “Uninterrupted supply is top priority, no negligence will be tolerated,” he emphasised.Asking officials to complete all preparations to avoid any inconvenience to consumers, he directed that adequate availability of necessary equipment be ensured at all substations and that Rapid Response Teams (RRT) be kept active to deal with any emergency.After reviewing the progress of underground cabling works, he directed officials to complete them within the stipulated timeline. He emphasised replacing dilapidated wires, resolving overloading, and developing safe and permanent structures in place of bamboo and wooden poles within a month. He said balanced power distribution should be ensured in urban and rural areas to avoid unnecessary power cuts. He called for expediting maintenance works, warning that strict action would be taken against lax officials. The minister sought details on the tripping problem and directed officials to take effective steps to bring it to a minimum level. He sought information on the status of power supply at important locations such as the railway station, airport, Sankat Mochan Mandir, and Taj Hotel, ordering seamless supply at these places.Sharma said robust electrical systems must be ensured at religious and tourist spots to avoid inconvenience to visitors. Reviewing eastern UP’s power supply, the minister stressed vigilance, accountability, and coordination among officials.
