Jammu, Jan 23 (KINS): Due to continuous rainfall and heavy snowfall in several parts of the Jammu Division, the power demand of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) dropped sharply to an all-time low of 140 MW at around 4:00 AM on Friday, against the normal average load of about 1150 MW.

According to a press release issued by JPDCL at 5:30 PM, sustained restoration efforts have helped improve the situation, with the running power load now restored to 891 MW.

At the sub-transmission level, 161 out of 181 of the 66/33 kV lines have been restored. Similarly, at the distribution level, power supply has been restored on 740 out of 1373 affected 11 kV feeders, while work on the remaining accessible feeders is being taken up on priority.

The press release said restoration work in some areas is slow due to snow-bound roads and rain-affected locations, especially in hilly and remote regions. The worst-hit districts include Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Kishtwar and Samba, particularly the higher reaches and interior areas. In Jammu district, power infrastructure was damaged mainly due to heavy rain, strong winds and uprooting of trees, which affected high-tension and low-tension lines.

JPDCL said sufficient manpower, machinery and material have been deployed to assess damage and restore power at the earliest. The corporation is also working in close coordination with district administrations and other agencies to speed up restoration, especially in vulnerable and remote areas.(KINS)