Srinagar, Nov 28: As winter tightens its grip on Kashmir, the perennial power woes of the valley return, casting doubts on the National Conference (NC) government’s promises of uninterrupted electricity.
During its election campaign, the NC assured voters of 200 free electricity units and securing additional power quotas from the central government. However, early signs suggest that the ground reality starkly contradicts these ambitious commitments.
Metered and non-metered areas alike are reeling under frequent and prolonged power outages. Residents have voiced their frustration over unscheduled cuts that disrupt daily life and make coping with the harsh winter even more challenging. Rawalpora resident Bilal Ahmed said, *“It’s barely November, and we are already receiving power for less than six hours a day. If this is the situation now, what will happen in January?”*
The power crisis is not a new phenomenon in Kashmir, where demand consistently outstrips supply during the winter months. This year, the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has announced official cuts—4.5 hours in metered areas and 6 hours in non-metered areas. However, the reality is often worse, with unofficial outages stretching well beyond these schedules.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while addressing the issue, admitted that complete relief is unlikely. *“People should be ready for power cuts in winter,”* he remarked candidly, signaling a lack of viable solutions to the longstanding crisis. Such statements have only fueled public skepticism about the NC’s ability to deliver on its promises.
Experts point to systemic issues such as power theft, inefficient transmission systems, and a lack of investment in renewable energy sources as key hurdles. Despite repeated assurances, these structural problems remain unresolved.
The NC government faces the dual challenge of meeting rising public expectations and navigating a strained power infrastructure. With the administration itself admitting to gaps in supply and preparation, many fear this winter will mirror the hardships of previous years.
As the valley braces for harsher weather, the NC’s electoral promises are being put to the test. Whether the government can weather the storm of public dissatisfaction or succumb to the familiar narrative of broken promises will define its credibility in the months to come. For now, Kashmiris remain skeptical, resigned to another winter of darkness.
