Kashmir’s businesses, industries face the brunt of unscheduled power cuts

SRINAGAR, NOV 10: In a disturbing development, unscheduled power cuts are wreaking havoc in the Kashmir Valley, adversely affecting businesses and the industrial sector.
The erratic power supply has led to significant losses for businesses, with industrial unit owners reporting production losses exceeding 60% and additional expenditures on idle wages for workers due to machinery downtime during load shedding.

Javid Tenga, President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), expressed deep concern and frustration regarding the inconsistent and unreliable policies of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) aimed at maintaining regular power supply to consumers. Tenga pointed out that despite the promise of uninterrupted and flawless electric supply through the installation of smart meters, power supply in the region has been severely erratic throughout the year.
Tenga said, “The KPDCL came out with a schedule for electric supply instead of ensuring regular supply. However, astonishingly, the KPDCL has failed to adhere to the announced schedule, compounding the woes of consumers. It appears the Department is continuously failing to meet consumer aspirations and resorting to false propaganda.”
Despite earlier announcements by KPDCL that it had procured power from Uttar Pradesh and was in negotiations to purchase more from the central grid, no significant improvements have been observed. The Department has even implemented power curtailments before the onset of winter when power demand is relatively lower.
Tenga called upon the Lieutenant Governor to personally intervene, urging concerned officials to take measures to ensure reliable power supply, especially for industries, the tourism sector, industrial estates, stores, shopkeepers, traders, senior citizens, the sick, students, and healthcare and education services, during the punishing cold winter months.
Aijaz Shahdhar, President, Kashmir Traders Association (KTA), expressed concern over the ongoing power crisis, highlighting that despite assurances of an additional 500 MW of electricity supply from the northern grid, Kashmir continues to grapple with unscheduled power cuts, disrupting the daily lives of residents.
“One of the critical issues raised by Shahdhar is the disregard for the curtailment schedule announced by KPDCL. This inconsistency has taken a toll on various sectors, including industries, businesses, general trade, manufacturing, and the emerging e-commerce sector in Kashmir.”
Shahdhar emphasized the need for proactive measures by the government to address the issue of unscheduled power cuts, which are affecting all aspects of life in Kashmir, causing disruptions not only in businesses but also in homes and daily routines.
A senior official from the Power Development Department (PDD) acknowledged the issue, stating, “We are doing our best to maintain the supply levels of the previous year. However, our available power stands at 1,400 MW from central and state generating agencies, while we are supplying 2,100 MW.” Despite these efforts, the region is unable to bridge the widening gap between supply and demand.
To combat this pressing crisis, the Union Territory of Kashmir has sought additional power supply through the central power exchange, aiming to alleviate the plight of its residents. However, even with the anticipated 700 MW of supplementary power, the Kashmir Valley continues to grapple with an alarming energy deficit.