In a major breakthrough, five villages of Kaithal district, which are allegedly infamous for line losses and power thefts, have joined hands with the district administration and agreed to opt the Mera Gaon Jagmag Gaon (MGJG) scheme after years of resistance, paving the way for significant improvement in power services and reduction in line losses.
This collaboration took place after the intervention of Deputy Commissioner Aparajita and officials from the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN), who held a series of discussions with village residents.
The villages—Khurana, Mundri, Dundwa, Shimla and Pinjupura—have agreed to fully cooperate with the UHBVN in implementing power reforms, aimed to benefit the larger interest of villagers.
As per the authorities, residents will shift electricity metres outside their homes and commercial establishments, assist officials in checking power theft and put in efforts to reduce line losses. The villages have also shown a positive response towards regular bill payments and participation in the government’s electricity schemes.
According to UHBVN officials, these villages have long been among the most challenging areas for the power corporation due to high power theft and non-payment of electricity bills. The average line loss in these villages currently stands at nearly 87 per cent. However, once the MGJG scheme is implemented in these villages, line losses are expected to come down to 20 per cent.
Officials from UHBVN further said that the initiative will help in saving around 172.91 lakh units of electricity annually and generate an estimated additional revenue of Rs 10 crore every year for the power utility. This revenue will be used to strengthen electricity infrastructure and improve consumer services further, said Sombir, Superintending Engineer, UHBVN Kaithal Circle.
He noted that another encouraging sign is the overwhelming public participation.
“Within just 15 days, around 650 domestic electricity connection applications have been received from these villages,” he added.
The DC described the development as a result of collective efforts by the district administration, UHBVN officials and villagers. She said the agreement would not only strengthen power infrastructure, but also ensure better electricity supply, quicker fault repairs and improved consumer services in the villages.
She also appreciated the villagers for showing a progressive approach and helping resolve an issue that was pending since several years. The DC expressed confidence that it would contribute significantly to the district’s development.
She further said the positive response from residents has made it possible to begin development works in the villages.
