Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has sanctioned Rs. 144.11 crores for a major power development and reform programme covering 30 towns of the state, including Jammu and Srinagar.

Under the Restructured Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme (RAPDRP), being implemented by the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation and NHPC, the towns are being covered for establishment of baseline data and IT applications for energy accounting and auditing.

Addressing the media about the scheme, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that baseline data preparation would be undertaken, which includes consumer indexing, GIS mapping, metering and automatic data logging of distribution transformers and feeders.

The Chief Minister also said that he would be holding quarterly meetings to review the pace of implementation of these schemes and directed the Deputy Commissioners to hold monthly review meetings in their respective districts.
Omar also directed engineers in the selected towns to take proactive measures in the power distribution system and minimize pilferage, both human and mechanical, for which he asked them to take the necessary technological support.
He also directed to maximize the coverage area under these schemes.
Omar further informed that an expenditure of Rs 365.71 crore has been incurred on the scheme till January 31, 2010.