PrashantNews
The Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) has started giving impetus to underground the power cables on the main roads of Dehradun city under an ADB project.
Under the project, a total of 92 km of 33 kV, a total of 230 km of 11 kV and a total of 608 km of LT lines are being put undergrounded in Dehradun for which the city has been divided into three lots.
At present, after completion of survey and joint survey by the regional teams of all the lots, the work of undergrounding the lines is being done in a phased manner by obtaining permission for road cutting. The details of the main routes identified for undergrounding of lines in Dehradun city are as follows-
Lot-1
Dilaram Chowk to Mussoorie Diversion, Survey Chowk to Sahastradhara Crossing, Darshanlal Chowk to Prince Chowk and Doon Hospital, Kishannagar Chowk to Ramada Hotel, Araghar Chowk to Fountain Chowk to Rispana Bridge, Araghar Chowk to Dharampur to Rispana Bridge etc. are included.
Lot-2
Ramada Hotel to Ballupur Chowk, Ballupur Chowk to Transport Nagar Chowk, Lakkhibagh to Graphic Era Chowk, Kamala Palace to Niranjanpur Chowk, Shimla Bypass to Saint Jude Chowk etc. are included.
Lot-3
The Vidhan Sabha area includes Rispana Bridge to Mohkampur Flyover, Ladpur to 6 No Pulia to Jogiwala, Fountain Chowk to 6 No. Pulia to Dobhal Chowk, Deal to Ladpur, Mayur Vihar to IT Park, IT Park to Krishali Chowk etc.
In the above mentioned main routes, undergrounding work is also being done near emergency places like Coronation Hospital, Doon Hospital, Mahant Indresh Hospital, IMA Blood Bank and Kailash Hospital etc.
The following benefits will be there by undergrounding the overhead power lines of the main roads of Dehradun city:-
Less maintenance: Underground cables are less affected by environmental factors like wind, heavy rain and tree branches. Due to which outages are less and maintenance cost is less. Less electrical loss: Underground cables can be designed with better insulation and lower resistance, reducing energy losses compared to overhead lines.
Safety: With underground cables, the risk of electrical hazards such as electrocution and fires from fallen power lines is significantly reduced.
Aesthetics: Undergrounding of power lines creates a more aesthetic environment in residential and urban areas.
Underground cables will curb power theft problems.
Less risk of accidents: The risk of accidents through contacts with power lines by vehicles, wildlife animals or construction activities is considerably reduced.
Environmental benefits: Undergrounding of power lines also benefits the environment as they do not require regular pruning of trees and other vegetation management required for overhead lines.
UPCL Managing Director Anil Yadav has directed all officers to complete the undergrounding works as soon as possible and keep safety standards on top priority. He asked the officials to ensure that pits and drains are regularly repaired after the completion of work every day.
With the successful implementation of the scheme, the power distribution system of Dehradun city will become as strong and robust as that of European and developed countries.