KPDCL bans sale, purchase or use of Nichrome coil-based crude gadgets

SHAKEELA ANDRABI

SRINAGAR: Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Wednesday ordered a blanket ban on sale, purchase or use of Nichrome Coil based crude gadgets, directing all sub-divisional officers to implement the government order by circulating its copies amongst the business outlets dealing in electrical equipment or items.
A complete ban was imposed on manufacture or import or transport or sale or purchase or use of Nichrome Coil-based crude heaters, boilers and steamers, as these do not conform to the required specifications of BIS or International Electro-Technical Commission, as per an official order.
“All electrical divisions have done a remarkable job in seizing these crude heating appliances from a vast majority of the consumers. However, it has been observed that after seizure, the consumers buy fresh Nichrome coil-based crude gadgets from the market where these are easily available, and revert to abuse of electricity, thereby nullifying your tireless efforts put in,” read the order.
In order to permanently remove the availability of Nichrome Coil based heaters, boilers and steamers from the markets, all sub-divisional officers of KPDCL are hereby directed to implement the aforesaid Government order by circulating a copy of the same amongst the business outlets dealing in electrical equipment/items. They shall be advised not to procure and sell any Nichrome Coil based heating gadgets, failing which the same shall be seized, read the order further. This order comes at a time when the KPDCL has already launched a campaign in all 10 districts against consumers involved in illegal hooking and power theft.
An official said that the primary objective behind the campaign against crude gadgets is to conserve energy and raise awareness among consumers about the benefits of using energy-efficient devices.
“Crude gadgets like boilers or heaters consume uncontrolled energy. Due to this, a significant amount of energy is wasted. If consumers switch to energy-saving gadgets like geysers and induction cookers, it will contribute to saving energy,” the official said, adding that the move is as a proactive measure to address the growing concerns over power theft and illegal hooking in the region. In November last year, the government has directed the officials of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) to constitute checking squads to check the use of crude and banned power gadgets by consumers. The action was been taken following the directions of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, who stressed the need for a campaign against the usage of such devices during a review meeting.