DVB pleads for more sub-stations

The situation would be worse the next summer and we will not be able to control it, says S.K. Bahl, additional chief engineer South commenting on the deteriorating power situation in south Delhi. 8220;This summer the faults were unprecedented, with the sub-stations failing very frequently. We need land desperately,8221; he admits.

Bahl feels that for the situation to improve, the DVB needs to set up at least seven sub stations of different capacity before the onset of the next summer. Today the DVB held a meeting with the Delhi Development Authority DDA and union information and broadcasting minister Sushma Swaraj also the south Delhi member of parliament on the issue of procuring land and setting up the sub stations. In the meeting that continued till late in the evening, Sushma Swaraj assured the DVB that land would be made available to them at the earliest.

8220;It is very essential to have sub stations before the next summer because we are unable to maintain the voltage, frequency and transformer trips. With more sub-stations we will be able to maintain the voltage, the frequency and ensure a regular power supply,8221; adds another DVB official.

The worst affected areas in south Delhi by DVB8217;s own admission are Safdarjung Development Area, Hauz Khas, Greater Kailash, Green Park, Fatehpur Beri, Zakhir Nagar and Badarpur. 8220;If we have sub-stations in some of these places, I am sure the situation in south Delhi would be much better,8221; he says.

But along with the enhancement of capacity, the DVB officials also realise that power theft needs to be curbed. 8220;We have launched a major drive to check power theft by important people in south Delhi. Last week in New Friends colony we raided a house which had 17 air conditioners. Today in Defence Colony we carried out raids in 13 premises and found that against a sanctioned load of 120 KV, the residents were using 232 KV. Our system is overloaded and trips engulfing the whole area in darkness,8221; says chief public relations officer, Jagdish Kapoor.

8220;In another house in D-block Defence colony today, our enforcement wing officials found 15 air conditioners running. In three other cases the meters were stopped. These people overload the system and the entire colony suffers. And with sub stations being linked, when one trips there are chances of others tripping with them,8221; he adds.