DEHRADUN – Despite facing a Rs 1 lakh fine and legal action from the district administration, the Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) continues to face criticism over its ongoing underground wiring project implementation across the city.
The ambitious two-year project, aimed at modernizing the city’s power infrastructure, has become a source of significant public inconvenience, with residents reporting various issues across multiple localities.
“For several weeks now, the mud has been left in a mound right outside our shops,” said a dairy worker in Jakhan, who wished to remain anonymous. “Delivery vans struggle while space for customer vehicles has drastically reduced. The dust levels are high, and the area is in complete disarray.”
While work on Upper Rajpur Road is nearing completion with junction boxes installed, other areas like Dharampur continue to face challenges. Residents report scattered construction materials, incomplete road repairs, and significant traffic congestion due to ongoing work.
Local resident Ashish Garg pointed out apparent inefficiencies in the project execution. “In Keval Vihar, they’re installing more poles for wire bunching when everything is supposed to go underground eventually. It seems like a waste of resources,” he said.
UPCL’s director of operations, M R Arya, defended the corporation’s approach, stating, “We are executing the work in patches of 1 to 1.5 kilometers and will restore areas to their original condition. We face operational challenges, such as existing water or sewage pipelines, but we’re trying to minimize public inconvenience.”
The corporation is currently appealing the penalty imposed by the administration in December 2024 for violating road-cutting norms. Despite multiple attempts, the district magistrate was unavailable for comment.
Background:
- December 29, 2024: UPCL fined Rs 1 lakh for violating road-cutting norms
- January 2025: Administration filed cases against unidentified power department contractors
- Project Timeline: Expected to complete in two years
Areas Currently Affected:
- Jakhan
- Dharampur
- Keval Vihar
- Sahastradhara Road
- Upper Rajpur Road (nearing completion)
As the project continues, residents await meaningful improvements in implementation and hope for better coordination between UPCL and municipal authorities to minimize disruption to daily life.
