Prayagraj: Operating on zero-tolerance policy against power theft, the power department officials of Prayagraj have initiated stringent action against those stealing electricity through illegal means.Chief engineer of Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam (PVVN), Rajesh Kumar, told TOI that the department’s enforcement teams are continuously running campaigns to nab illegal power users. A total of 3,800 raids were conducted in the city during 2025-26, resulting in FIRs against 2,144 individuals. This intensive campaign is continuing this year as well.Kunar added, “The ‘Bijli Mitra’ (Electricity Friend) system has proved to be an effective measure in making enforcement actions more impactful”. He explained that this digital initiative helps vigilant citizen to directly report instances of power theft, illegal hook-ups, or unauthorized commercial loads to the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited.A key feature of this system is that the complainant’s name, mobile number, and identity remain completely confidential encouraging general public to assist the administration without fear and enable the department to conduct successful raids. As many as 10 ‘Bijli Mitras’ have supported the corporation in the city this year.The power department is also utilizing the technology to bring transparency in the power sector. By installing smart meters, the government is providing consumers with a detailed account of every unit of electricity consumed. Details regarding the load on overloaded transformers are being displayed on public signboards so that the public can witness the system’s transparency.Kumar said that the traditional power distribution system relied on open, bare wires, making it easy for people to steal electricity using illegal hooks (katiyas). The government has introduced an alternative to this menace and Aerial Bunched Cables (ABC) are being installed.In sensitive and densely populated areas, these open wires have been replaced with ABCs, making it impossible to directly attach illegal hook-ups. So far, 173 km of ABC has been installed in Prayagraj alone. This measure has not only curbed electricity theft but also eliminated issues like short circuits and power tripping during storms and heavy rain.
