SRINAGAR, NOV 21: In a troubling development, residents throughout Kashmir voice dissatisfaction with the deteriorating power situation that has persisted in recent weeks. Numerous individuals report facing unprecedented and intense power interruptions, especially during the morning and evening periods.
Residents from Srinagar’s Old City, uptown, areas raise grievances, with one resident expressing discontent over the absence of a consistent schedule, stating, “There appears to be no established timetable as electricity is being cut off every hour.”
This disconcerting situation unfolds despite recent assurances of sufficient electricity provision and the deployment of smart meters by the government.
Those residing in the outskirts of Srinagar point fingers at the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), alleging negligence of their concerns.
In the biting cold, electricity transforms into a game of hide and seek, exacerbating the challenges faced by the populace. Areas like Raj Bagh, Jawahar Nagar, Pandrethan, Zafran Colony, Achanambal, Natipora, and others, initially promised uninterrupted power through smart meters, now question the fulfillment of these commitments.
Rural areas, encompassing south and north Kashmir including areas in central Kashmir Kangan, Prang, Wussan, Chinnar, and more, grapple with a severe power deficit. Residents demand prompt resolution to their issues, underscoring the urgent need for redressal.
In Kulgam and Anantnag districts in South Kashmir, consumers bemoan receiving electricity for only a few hours, while in Bandipora, Kupwara, and Baramulla districts in North Kashmir, consumers report continuous disruptions throughout the day.
In response to the escalating crisis, the government issues stringent directives to KPDCL, emphasizing a no-tolerance stance towards unscheduled power cuts. Principal Secretary, Power Development Department (PDD), H. Rajesh Prasad, presides over a meeting to assess the power supply situation in J&K, particularly in the Kashmir valley. During the meeting, Prasad underscores the necessity of adhering to a curtailment schedule, emphasizing the inadmissibility of unscheduled power cuts. He also stresses the importance of refraining from power overdrawal to uphold grid discipline and prevent unwarranted disruptions in power supply. The residents now await tangible actions to alleviate their predicament as the government commits to addressing the power crisis proactively.
