Power theft imperils Haryana treasury

The quality of electricity supply and the exchequer is being adversely affected by power thefts worth Rs 700 cr a year.

The quality of electricity supply in Haryana and the exchequer is being adversely affected due to power thefts worth Rs 700 crore in the state annually.

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"The losses in some areas are very high mainly because of tampering with meters, non-regularisation of kundi connections and non-payment of bills," Inspector General of Police (Vigilance) and a functionary of the Haryana power Utilities Laik Ram Dabas said here today.

He said in some villages, power theft was as high as 50 per cent.

To stop the increasing power theft, a massive campaign would be launched shortly all over the state, he said.

"Simultaneously, surprise raids would be conducted and even the government offices would not be spared while detecting the erring premises", he said.

The members of the 'Bijli Chori Roko Samiti', constituted by Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam, would be given identity cards and be authorised to detect the cases of power thefts, he added.