PSPCL loses Rs 1.03 cr as winds damage transformers, poles

The high velocity winds that hit this part of the region in the last 36 hours had caused panic among farmers, but with the weather getting clear, they were relieved now. But the PSPCL on the other hand had to bear the brunt as officials maintained that that their losses were to the tune of over Rs 103 lakh due to these winds. The officials said that two-third of the staff was in the field to resolve the issues, which were reported from various parts of the city.

Chief Engineer, PSPCL, Jagdev Singh Hans told The Tribune that by 12 noon, the supply all over would be normal as almost all staff members were on duty for the last so many hours. He said that the storm had caused damage to the distribution system. Around 46 transformers had been damaged, 136 poles either uprooted or developed technical snag and the ACSR of about one kilometer had been damaged due to the squall. “But with the weather now being bright and clear, we will be able to rectify everything in next two-three hours,” said Hans.

Meanwhile, the residents kept complaining about power cut and fluctuations. The department had received a total 25,757 complaints and by 10 am on May 3, just 1,855 were pending, which would be resolved soon.

At the same time, the DFSC East, Shefali Chopra, said that Khanna Mandi, Asia’s largest mandi had no issue and for the past three days, she was continuously at the mandi with a team of officials and ministers visiting mandi in the last 36 hours. “Thankfully, there has been no problem with regard to procurement and lifting. We are watching the entire procurement process,” said Chopra. She added that yesterday Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, visited Khanna and was satisfied with all arrangements.

Baldev Singh Latala, a farmer and union leader, said that he got complaints from a few places by farmers that the wheat which had not been lifted had got wet. “The wheat as well as the bags got wet, especially at mandis where there was no proper shed. As far as vegetables are concerned, the crop was damaged in many fields due to the storm,” said Latala, adding that bags got wet near Jodhan and Latala area mandis.

Ludhiana