Patna: The Bihar government has ordered heightened surveillance of the state’s electricity infrastructure after a review found an increase in theft and damage to power equipment across several districts.
The directive was issued on Monday by Energy Secretary and Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Bihar State Power (Holding) Company Limited (BSPHCL), Ajay Yadav, following a review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit on the security of power infrastructure.
Rise In Theft And Vandalism
According to the Energy Department, incidents involving the theft and damage of power lines, distribution transformers, electricity meters and other electrical equipment have increased in different parts of the state.
Officials said such incidents not only cause substantial financial losses to power utilities but also disrupt the supply of electricity to consumers.
Enhanced Monitoring Ordered
The Energy Secretary directed officials to ensure continuous monitoring of all critical power assets, including Grid Substations (GSSs), power substations, feeders, distribution networks and other electrical infrastructure.
He also instructed officials to work closely with district administrations and police authorities to launch special drives aimed at preventing theft and vandalism of power infrastructure.
Enhanced surveillance has been ordered at locations identified as vulnerable or sensitive.
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Officials To Be Held Accountable
The Energy Department warned that accountability would be fixed if negligence is found in preventing theft or damage within the jurisdiction of any division, sub-division, Grid Substation or Power Substation.
Departmental proceedings will be initiated, in accordance with applicable rules, against officials found responsible, including Executive Electrical Engineers, Assistant Electrical Engineers, Junior Electrical Engineers and other concerned personnel.
Nodal Officers Appointed
To strengthen oversight, the Chief Security Officers of Bihar State Power Transmission Company Limited (BSPTCL), Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL), South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) and North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) have been designated as nodal officers.
The nodal officers will carry out regular inspections of power divisions, sub-divisions and substations, review FIRs registered in connection with theft and damage to electrical assets, and submit weekly reports to the respective Managing Directors and the Chairman-cum-Managing Director.
All power companies have also been directed to submit monthly action-taken reports to the Energy Department.
Focus On Uninterrupted Power Supply
The Energy Secretary said protecting the state’s electricity infrastructure was essential for ensuring an uninterrupted, reliable and quality power supply to consumers.
He reiterated that negligence in safeguarding power assets would not be tolerated and that strict disciplinary action would be taken against officials found at fault.
