Kishtwar, December 9: The Power Development Department (PDD) in Kishtwar conducted an extensive inspection drive in the town area to crack down on the illegal use of banned nichrome-based heaters, boilers, and unauthorised electrical loads.
The operation, led by Assistant Executive Engineer Er. Showkat Khan of the Electric Sub-Division Kishtwar, along with engineers and field staff, was aimed at reducing feeder overloading and protecting the power infrastructure from damage. The use of such devices has been a major cause of frequent damage to cables and equipment.
During the drive, the team confiscated and destroyed around 140 unauthorised heaters, boilers, and other prohibited gadgets. This initiative successfully reduced the load on the system by nearly half a megawatt (MW), easing the pressure on the power distribution network.
The PDD announced that similar inspection drives will continue and will be extended to rural areas to enforce regulations and eliminate the use of banned heating appliances across the district.
The department also issued a strong warning against tampering with electricity meters, emphasizing that individuals caught bypassing meters will face strict penalties and legal consequences under the Electricity Act, including fines and imprisonment.
Residents have been urged to cooperate by avoiding the use of unauthorised appliances and following power usage guidelines. The department has also appealed to the public to report cases of meter tampering or unauthorised power use to the authorities for immediate action.
