JBVNL power connections must be obtained by Saptami, October 17, by Durga Puja organising committees across Kolhan, with the state-run discom warning that unsafe wiring or unauthorised connections could invite action under the Electricity Act, 2003. The directive covers more than 400 pandals in East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan districts.
The order was issued by Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) for puja committees operating within its Jamshedpur division. Around 350 of the pandals covered by the directive are being installed in Jamshedpur and its outskirts, making the city the main concentration point for temporary festive electricity demand in the division.
JBVNL Jamshedpur division general manager Ajit Kumar said committees would have to pay estimated electricity charges in advance. The estimate will be based on the load consumed by the respective pandal during the previous year. Any excess payment will be refunded, while committees that consume more electricity than the estimated load will be required to pay additional charges after the festival.
The utility has also directed organisers to ensure safe wiring at the temporary structures before power is supplied. According to JBVNL, failure to follow the requirements could lead to punitive action under the Electricity Act, 2003. The directive places responsibility on organisers to secure valid connections and maintain electrical arrangements that do not create risks for visitors, workers or nearby residents.
To manage outages and electricity-related emergencies during the festive period, JBVNL will operate fuse control rooms in all seven subdivisions under the Jamshedpur division. These control rooms are scheduled to function from October 16 to 21, covering the main period of increased activity around the puja celebrations.
The discom has formed 35 response teams comprising more than 150 engineers, electricians and linemen. These teams will attend to power-related emergencies at puja venues and support restoration work during the festival. JBVNL said the control room telephone numbers would be released before the festivities begin.
The arrangement combines advance billing, mandatory connections, temporary electrical safety checks and dedicated field response. For organisers, the immediate deadline is to complete the connection process by Saptami and ensure that the electrical load and wiring at each pandal comply with the utility’s requirements. Further operational details will be issued through the control room numbers before the festive period starts.
