The Indian Express 26.03.2013
Discom snaps power in North, says corpn not paying dues
A dispute over unpaid dues has left residents of North Delhi in the
dark with the North Delhi Power Limited (NDPL) deciding to snap the
power supply to the area.
The power distribution company (discom) claims North Municipal
Corporation owes it more than Rs 60 crore and is unwilling to make the
payment. This, the discom said, forced it to take action and discontinue
power supply.
As a result, parts of Ashok Vihar, Rohini, Civil Lines, Wazirabad
and adjoining areas, plunged into darkness — including streets and
common civic areas like community halls.
The NDPL has also threatened to cut power supply to all civic
facilities starting Tuesday, if the payment is not made immediately.
The North corporation, however, does not agree with the NDPL
claim of an outstanding bill of more than Rs 60 crore. Delhi-BJP chief
Vijay Goel alleged that the step was an attack on the civil rights of
the residents and had been taken at the behest of Chief Minister Sheila
Dikshit.
“It is a matter of grave concern that such a step has been taken.
This game is being played at the instance of the Chief Minister. It is
pure blackmailing. As it is there are several dark stretches in many
areas and severing electricity supply will give way to more crime,” Goel
said.
Goel said that to ensure that power supply was restored, he spoke
to the NDPL authorities and assured them that the issue of unpaid dues
will be resolved soon. “After the assurance, the NDPL has agreed to
restore power supply on Tuesday,” Goel said.
Till late Monday night, North Delhi streetlights did not have power supply.
NDPL spokesperson said the company was forced to take action. “We
have been in talks with the corporation since September 2011, but they
have not made any payments. We are a private company (and) we have to
make payments for power supplied to these areas. For how long can we
allow them to stall payments?” the spokesperson said.
North corporation Mayor Mira Aggarwal said, “This is a criminal
offence. We are a civic agency and the power is meant for public
utility. This is no way to settle a financial matter. The NDPL officials
should have talked to us to reach a solution.”
She pointed out that NDPL had also not paid property tax for its electricity sub-stations on civic agency land.
Corporation said NDPL restored power supply to the area late in
the night. The two agencies have scheduled a meeting on Tuesday to
discuss the payment of dues.