Kashmir’s power woes continue as government fails to deliver on promises
The persistent power crisis in Kashmir has thrown the daily lives of its residents and businesses into turmoil, as prolonged outages and load shedding continue to plague the region. With power cuts lasting as long as 7 to 9 hours a day, the situation remains dire despite assurances from authorities of procuring additional power.
Metered and non-metered areas alike have been affected, with many regions enduring 3 to 4 hours of continuous outages. The fluctuating power supply has left people in the dark for extended periods, raising mounting frustration among the population.
A senior official from the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL), speaking anonymously, disclosed that the region faces a staggering power deficit of over 500 megawatts (MW). This revelation contradicts promises of an improved power supply.
Chief Engineer of KPDCL, Javid Yusuf Dar, assured that the situation would soon ameliorate, stating, “In the next few days, we will come up with the curtailment schedule also.” However, residents remain skeptical, especially with the impending winter season when the demand for electricity traditionally surges, exacerbating power outages.
The root cause of this prolonged crisis is the vast gap between the revenue generated by the Power Department and the funds required for power purchases. Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta recently revealed that the J&K government had borrowed a substantial sum of Rs 31,000 crore to settle outstanding power bills with external power generators.
Mehta emphasized that achieving 24×7 electricity could only be possible if all consumers paid their bills without subsidies, stating, “We are not so poor that electricity bills cannot be afforded. The government will ensure round-the-clock electricity only when the bills are paid by one and all.”
Meanwhile, discontent among consumers is growing. Imtiyaz Ahmad, a resident of Soura, expressed his frustration, highlighting that the administration promised round-the-clock supply after installing smart meters during the summer, but now they have smart meters and no power.
This sentiment resonates with the widespread dissatisfaction regarding the current state of power supply in Kashmir. As the power crisis persists, the residents of Kashmir are left grappling with the challenges of daily life without consistent access to electricity. Concerns are mounting about the impact on businesses, education, and the overall well-being of the population.
In conclusion, it is imperative that the authorities take swift and effective measures to resolve this power crisis, ensuring that the people of Kashmir can lead their lives with the essential and uninterrupted power supply they deserve.
