Varanasi: To bolster UP’s power system in the peak summer season, energy minister AK Sharma on Saturday said tripping is unacceptable and directed 24×7 supply.At a review meeting with officials in Varanasi, Sharma issued key consumer-centric directives, stating that power connections up to 1 kW will not be disconnected even with a negative balance. Consumers with up to 2 kW will get relief of up to Rs 200.He ordered that before any disconnection, five SMS alerts must be sent in phases. Power supply will also not be cut on Sundays and public holidays, even if the balance is negative.The minister directed strict compliance with these provisions to give relief to consumers and ensure transparency.24×7 power response vansTo ensure an uninterrupted, safe, and high-quality power supply for Varanasi consumers, Sharma inaugurated two state-of-the-art 24×7 response vans in the city to cut downtime during electrical faults. Both vehicles are equipped with modern safety gear and essential T&P kits to handle any technical challenge. To provide genuine round-the-clock service, staff will work in three 8-hour shifts daily. Each shift will have a team of skilled personnel including a supervisor, lineman, and helper.Key functions of 24×7 emergency vans include maintaining HT lines, fixing breakdowns, and replacing transformers/cross arms on the spot. They will also be tasked with locating underground faults using advanced tools, replacing old AB cables and damaged conductors, and fixing or replacing poles damaged by disasters/accidents.He also reviewed the progress on underground cabling and ordered faster execution. He said work must be planned as per the growing power demand to avoid future disruptions.Calling Varanasi a key religious and tourist city, Sharma said arrangements here must be top-grade and directed officials to complete all work on time, transparently, and with quality so people get better facilities.The minister also told officials to speed up drain cleaning to prevent waterlogging in the monsoon. He said waterlogging must not occur under any circumstances. The Nagar Nigam and Jalkal Department were directed to finish the work on time through coordination.Reviewing road and urban beautification works, he directed that interlocking along roadsides be completed on priority. He also called for a strict anti-encroachment drive, saying it would improve city management and accessibility.
