I-12 plot allottees call for underground power system

Islamabad: Allottees of plots in the federal capital's sector I-12 have appreciated chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Muhammad Ali Randhawa for ensuring speedy development of their sector.

They told reporters that under the CDA chairman’s directives, the municipality had planned to complete the development work in all its residential schemes, including sector I-12, within three to four months. The allottees hoped they would get possession of their plots enabling them to build houses. They said the development work in Sector I-12 has visibly accelerated, with machinery and bulldozers actively engaged in preparing the infrastructure.

“The swift progress has fuelled optimism among us about the timely completion of the project,” a plot allottee said. The allottees demanded the installation of an underground electricity system in I-12 saying underground power distribution, which involves delivering electricity from generation sources to end-users through subterranean cables, offers significant advantages over traditional overhead lines.

"Overhead lines are prone to weather-related damage, including storms and lightning, as well as interference from trees, animals, and accidents. They also cause aesthetic and environmental issues, such as visual clutter, noise and electromagnetic fields, while underground cables offer a safer and more visually appealing alternative," plot allottee Professor Tahir Mahmood said. Khumar Gul, who also has a plot in I-12, favoured underground electrical installation networks like other parts of the world.

He said overhead lines required support structures like towers, poles, and overhead conductors, which might increase costs. "We request authorities to ensure underground cables are installed as this method preserves natural beauty and land value," he said. Fahad Hameed, another plot allottee, pointed out that overhead lines typically incur higher losses due to factors such as their extended length, lower voltage, and increased resistance while underground electricity system was less susceptible to weather-related disruptions and offer enhanced reliability and security compared to overhead lines.

"It is also less vulnerable to external interference, reducing the risk of accidents such as electrocution or injury to individuals and animals."