The public outrage over the non-supply of water and electricity, inordinate delay in the air and train services over the weekend following a power grid collapse is understandable but it is not an uncommon occurrence. Almost every winter there is a massive breakdown of the power system, resulting in consequent inconvenience to the public and loss of industrial production. It is not an insurmountable problem. Those (mis)managing the power sector in the northern region are quick to blame the fog but don’t have the grace to own their share of responsibility. It is amazing a rising power like India can be crippled by a handful of non-performers.
It is well known that power tripping can be avoided if the line insulators are cleaned up before the onset of winter. The Power Grid Corporation hires machinery and helicopters for use by the state electricity boards on 80 per cent payment of the cost. Since it is an expensive exercise — though nothing compared to the havoc played with normal life of citizens in the region — state governments and power boards do not like to spend their limited resources on these and allow citizens to go through a harrowing experience every year. It again comes to poor governance and distorted priorities.
Fog-resistant polymer-made discs are available to replace the existing porcelain insulators. But this is expensive and requires effort apart from a mindset to serve society. This is something the self-servers at the helm badly lack. It is not fog that brings life to a standstill — as newspaper headlines proclaim. It is the vote-driven, short-sighted ruling politicians who are to blame for the systemic mismanagement. Power is a state subject. Whatever efforts the Centre makes to push reforms to insulate state boards from political interference and make them financially viable are resisted by myopic state politicians. They do not mind giving power free for votes. Influential and industrial users tend to steal power with official connivance. Customers oppose moves to hike tariffs. Where will money come from for buying fog-resistant technology or replacing the worn-out transmission system?
It is well known that power tripping can be avoided if the line insulators are cleaned up before the onset of winter. The Power Grid Corporation hires machinery and helicopters for use by the state electricity boards on 80 per cent payment of the cost. Since it is an expensive exercise — though nothing compared to the havoc played with normal life of citizens in the region — state governments and power boards do not like to spend their limited resources on these and allow citizens to go through a harrowing experience every year. It again comes to poor governance and distorted priorities.
Fog-resistant polymer-made discs are available to replace the existing porcelain insulators. But this is expensive and requires effort apart from a mindset to serve society. This is something the self-servers at the helm badly lack. It is not fog that brings life to a standstill — as newspaper headlines proclaim. It is the vote-driven, short-sighted ruling politicians who are to blame for the systemic mismanagement. Power is a state subject. Whatever efforts the Centre makes to push reforms to insulate state boards from political interference and make them financially viable are resisted by myopic state politicians. They do not mind giving power free for votes. Influential and industrial users tend to steal power with official connivance. Customers oppose moves to hike tariffs. Where will money come from for buying fog-resistant technology or replacing the worn-out transmission system?
Source: The Tribune, Chandigarh, India.
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