State to install underground power cables in Digha

In a complete overhaul of the power distribution system in popular tourist destination Digha, the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (WBSEDCL) has decided to install power cables underground. The plan for the network has already been finalised and the tender will soon be floated. Work is expected to commence after Durga Puja this year.

"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wants to turn Digha into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The flow of tourists including foreigners has increased reasonably after the turmoil in Darjeeling and the Hills. The underground cable connection for power will be a big boost to the power distribution in the popular beach destination," a top official of WBSEDCL said.

The WBSEDCL is also coming up with a power substation at Ramnagar for better power supply. Banerjee, when she held an administrative meeting at Digha in July, had expressed her displeasure over complaints of low voltage in Digha and its adjacent areas. The state Power department also has future plans of setting up a gas insulated substation at Digha. It should be noted that cable ducts have been installed underground in Salt Lake Sector V, Bolpur and Nabadwip.

WBSEDCL will be spending nearly Rs 100 crore for a complete overhaul and a major portion of the cost will be funded by the World Bank. "In case of a storm, there are chances that overhead connection wires get snapped. This will also withstand inclement weather conditions in a better manner. The problem of 'hooking' may also be done away with," the official said. The state Power department is aggressively trying to strengthen the power network to address the low-voltage concern in some districts in line with the Chief Minister's commitment.

The distribution company has planned to set up 125 new substations in the next three years for which work has been initiated in 71. "Some 25-30 substations will be commissioned by this year," the official said.

Power thefts account for about annual loss of Rs 1,000 crore to the state exchequer. WBSEDCL has some 3.18 lakh km of low tension overhead wires for last mile connectivity for power distribution. Power thefts by hooking takes place from low-tension wires. State Power minister Sovandeb Chattopadhayay announced recently that WBSEDCL has undertaken a project to cover some 50,000 km of overhead wires across the state with plastic insulated AB cables to check pilferage.