PSPCL office in Ludhiana’s Fountain Chowk crying for attention
Long forgotten files, loose electric wire and damaged transformers can be seen collecting dust in the building that has a footfall of 50 to 80 people daily
Walking into the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited’s (PSPCL’s) two-storeyed sub-station building in Fountain Chowk, one is met by a sight of absolute dilapidation, with broken window panes, piled up meters and eclectic clutter greeting visitors at the onset.
Long forgotten files, loose electric wire and damaged transformers can be seen collecting dust in the building that has a footfall of 50 to 80 people daily.
As per officials, the civil maintenance wing of the PSPCL is in charge of the 60- year-old building’s upkeep.
Stagnant water and choked sewerage near the entrance of the building also paint a grim picture.
Piled up electricity meters at the entrance, near the stairs and loose hanging wires endanger visitors.
A visitor, Suresh Pal, said, “I visited the Fountain Chowk office today to deposit my electricity bill. I have to stand in queue every time as there is only one cash counter.”
“At the entrance of the building, electricity meters have been stacked up and bicycles are parked inside the building. The wires of electricity meters installed in the building are hanging in the open. The authorities are clearly not bothered about the safety of their own staff and the public visiting the office.”
Parvesh Kumar, a 65-year-old, visitor, said, “The condition of the office is miserable and the department is making no attempts to improve the facilities. I live in Ghumar Mandi and prefer paying my electricity bill at this office. The windows panes make the vist all the more daunting in the cold weather.”
An official requesting anonymity, said, “There is a need to repair the building as all the window panes are broken and damaged transformers, pipes and wires are kept in the rear of the office in the open. The condition of the toilets is also deplorable. The higher authorities must provide better facilities to the workers.”
When contacted, SS Josan, chief engineer of protection and maintenance wing, said, “I will look into the matter and visit the sub-station office.”
He asserted that they had received no intimation from officials regarding need for maintenance, but they will take cognisance of the matter.