Srinagar, Dec 04: The Government of India on Thursday informed the Lok Sabha that Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir continues to reel under the highest Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses in the country with 48.08 percent for the fiscal year 2023–24.
Minister of State for Power, Shripad Naik informed the parliament that the national T&D loss average stands at 17.63 percent. “J&K’s figure remains far above all other States and UTs.”
The Central Electricity Authority’s latest review revealed that the northern region, including J&K recorded transmission losses of around 3.15 percent. “The major gap lies in overall T&D losses where J&K continues to struggle due to technical gaps, power theft, ageing infrastructure, and distribution challenges.”
The Minister said the Centre and States are working to reduce these losses through measures such as network expansion, modernisation of transmission systems, SCADA, EMS deployment, higher-voltage systems, and improved operational practices.
He further informed that all inhabited villages in the country, including those in J&K have already been electrified under schemes like DDUGJY and SAUBHAGYA, both of which stand closed.
“Under the ongoing Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the Union Government continues to support States and UTs including J&K for strengthening distribution networks and electrifying remaining households wherever feasible,” it reads.
The reply also said that there was no requirement for land acquisition for laying of transmission lines. “Land ownership remains with the landowner. Compensation for damages, if any, is governed by State guidelines.”—(KNO)
