Delay in the Completion of the 33/11 KV Electric Recieving Station in Bunjwah

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SHAFQAT SHEIKH

CHENAB VALLEY DECM, 09:-The long-standing aspiration for a 33/11 KV electric Recieving station in Bunjwah has increasingly transformed into a seemingly elusive dream for the local community, one that holds the promise of progress and stability. The sustained delays in this infrastructure project have notably impeded the educational pursuits of local students and the operations of numerous online businesses in the area. Initially approved in 2016 during the tenure of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government, this critical initiative has faced a multitude of obstacles, resulting in significant disruption and discontent among residents.

According to available information, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir directed the project during a Public Darbar held at Kishtwar on December 9, 2017. Following this, the District Development Commissioner Kishtwar’s office issued a letter No. DDCK/Plg/M-PGR-Camp/492/2017/13222-26 on December 30, 2017, initiating the project report for the establishment of a 3.15 MVA, 33/11 KV Receiving Station at Jawalapur (Bunjwah). This station is intended to address the growing electricity demands of Bunjwah and its surrounding areas, which have been increasingly underserved.

Currently, Bunjwah receives power from the 10 MVA, 33/11 KV Receiving Station Thathri, relying on an 11 KV feeder that stretches approximately 65 kilometres through challenging hilly terrain. This extensive feeder experiences a voltage regulation deficiency of 10.47%, causing significant issues for consumers. The lengthy and deteriorating feeder is prone to frequent faults and line damages, leading to prolonged power outages that disrupt the daily lives of residents in this sprawling area. The local population, which spans a vast landscape, is often left without electricity for extended periods. Repairing faults on these lines can be a time-consuming process, further exacerbating the situation.

To mitigate transmission losses and reduce power outages, the establishment of a new 3.15 MVA, 33/11 KV Receiving Station at Jawalapur is imperative, as it would serve as the central hub for electrical supply in the region. The winter months pose additional challenges, as snowfall, floods, and relentless rains frequently lead to breakdowns and outages. The frustration among residents is palpable, as these disruptions hinder their daily lives and activities.

Upon completion of the proposed Receiving Station, approximately 1.5 MVA of the load will be shifted from the existing 10 MVA Receiving Station Thathri, providing much-needed relief to that facility. This change is expected to lead to substantial improvements in voltage stability, with the potential to yield voltage regulation rates of just 1.67% on the Patnazi feeder, 0.91% on the Dunadi feeder, and 1.70% on the Jawalapur feeder. Enhanced power supply will directly benefit around 45,000 residents of Bounjwah, Dunadi, Jawalpur, and Patnazi, while also creating possibilities for connecting parts of the Khara area. Furthermore, the upcoming installation of seven distribution system transformers under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) will be more effectively managed.

To ensure a reliable and stable power supply to the people of this region, a new 33/11 KV Receiving Station with a 3.15 MVA transformer is proposed at Jawalapur, representing the most feasible solution. The project includes provisions for tapping the 33 KV line from Thathri-Gandoh at Dunadi and establishing Bus-in and Bus-out arrangements.

The persistent lack of a dependable electricity supply has severely constrained students’ ability to engage fully in their studies, with those relying on online resources facing particularly difficult challenges. This ongoing situation has cultivated a pronounced sense of frustration among local entrepreneurs, who struggle to maintain productivity and competitiveness in today’s digitally driven marketplace without a stable power source. The troubling protraction of this vital project has left many residents of Bunjwah grappling with anxiety and uncertainty about their futures, as they continue to await the promised improvements that could vastly enhance their quality of life and provide them the opportunities they rightfully deserve.

The construction of the electricity receiving station in Bunjwah has encountered a series of challenges, largely stemming from the failure of responsible agencies to follow proper protocols during the project’s execution. Presently, significant progress has been made at Jawalapur, where the installation of the supply line and the tapping of the 33 kV line from Dunadi to Jawalapur has advanced up to Kuna Morh, adjacent to the serene hamlet of Anthwan within Jawalapur Panchayat. However, local landowners have raised serious objections regarding the placement of poles and the ongoing tapping of the 33 kV line, a section that stretches nearly 2 kilometres.

These persistent delays in essential electrical infrastructure development have inflicted considerable hardships on the entire community, curtailing growth and stability. The Tehsildar of Bunjwah, along with various administrative officials, has made numerous interventions to address the concerns and claims presented by the residents of Anthwan. In a proactive attempt to move the project forward, the Naib Tehsildar of Bunjwah previously ordered that the installation of the poles and the progression of the 33 kV line utilise the Bunjwah road route from Kuna Morh to Jawalapur.

Furthermore, prominent local citizens demonstrated commendable initiative by actively engaging in the planning discussions for the tapping of the 33 kV line that would cross their lands. Initially, all landowners had expressed willingness to cooperate and support the development. Despite these concerted efforts, the project remains at a standstill, leaving the community in a state of uncertainty as they eagerly await a viable resolution that will allow them to advance and flourish.

From the Desk
Shafqat Sheikh
Freelance Writer Columnist
Bunjwah Kishtwar
9419281321, 9419974577
Email. freelancershafqat@gmail.com