Lights Out, Hopes Dimmed: Kashmir’s Erratic Power Supply Threatens Economic Future
Kashmir’s Erratic Power Supply: A Crisis Crippling Businesses and Tourists
The idyllic beauty of Kashmir, a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, is facing a shadow cast by a critical issue: erratic and insufficient power supply. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) has raised a strong voice against this ongoing crisis, highlighting its devastating impact on businesses, residents, and the vital tourism sector.
Broken Promises, Broken Dreams:
For a significant period, large swathes of the valley have been grappling with inconsistent electricity. This is particularly disheartening considering the recent initiative by the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) to install smart meters. Consumers were promised uninterrupted and flawless electric supply – a promise that remains unfulfilled.
The situation has deteriorated instead of improving. The KCC&I expresses its grave concern and disappointment not just over the power cuts but also the lack of explanation or accountability from the KPDCL. Power outages have become a daily struggle, causing immense hardship even during the holy month of Ramadan.
Darkness Descends, Tourism Takes a Hit:
Reports from various areas paint a grim picture, with residents enduring power cuts exceeding 12 hours. The KPDCL’s silence on this matter is not only baffling but also raises serious questions about their competence. The continued power outages, even with overflowing rivers during the summer months, add to the confusion.
The worst affected by this crisis is the tourism industry, a key driver of Kashmir’s economy. Tourists, lured by the promise of breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, are facing the brunt of power cuts. This not only disrupts their travel experience but also tarnishes Kashmir’s image as a tourist destination.
Promotional Efforts Derailed by Power Woes:
The tireless efforts by the government to promote Kashmir tourism through campaigns across India and abroad are being nullified by the KPDCL’s thoughtless planning and inadequate performance. Travel agencies are witnessing a surge in cancellations due to the erratic power supply.
News of the power woes has traveled like wildfire, discouraging potential tourists and leading to cancellations of trips, hotel bookings, and other arrangements. This results in significant losses for stakeholders across the tourism sector.
A Call for Intervention and Accountability:
The KCC&I emphasizes the KPDCL’s repeated failure to meet consumer expectations. The lack of transparency regarding the reasons behind the power outages is another cause for concern.
To address this critical issue, the KCC&I urges the Lieutenant Governor’s intervention. The establishment of a fact-finding committee is crucial to identify the root cause of this crisis. Such a committee should investigate the situation impacting various segments of society, including senior citizens, the sick, students, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, industries, and of course, the tourism sector.
A Brighter Future for Kashmir Awaits:
The erratic power supply is not just an inconvenience; it’s a major roadblock to Kashmir’s economic development and prosperity. Resolving this issue requires immediate action, transparency, and a clear roadmap for improvement.
The breathtaking beauty of Kashmir, coupled with the warmth and hospitality of its people, has the potential to be a world-class tourist destination. Addressing the power crisis effectively is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
PRESS NOTE
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) has been keenly observing and assessing the critically erratic electric power supply in large areas of valley for quite some time. It is adversely affecting the trade /business/ industry and households in general. The Chamber expresses its grave concern and disappointment over the contradictory policies of the KPDCL in ensuring regular power supply to the consumers. The department while starting the process of fixing smart meters in the valley areas had committed to uninterrupted and flawless electric supply to the consumers. However, on ground it has proved to the contrary .The power situation has only worsened, with consumers not even spared during the month of Ramadhaan resulting in tremendous hardship to consumers. The KCCI expresses Shock over the reports received from many areas which are experiencing 12 or more hours of shutdown. The KPDCL has no explanation, whatsoever . The continued shutdown even with the onset of summer, with rivers overflowing with water, is not only astonishing but baffling too. The people are hugely suffering. The tourism sector is worst hit with long hours of power shutdown. The Tourists too are facing the brunt of poor power supply. The Government has been tirelessly making tourism promotional campaigns across the country and abroad but the same are nullified due to the thoughtless planning and incompetent performance of KPDCL. The travel trade has been receiving large number of cancellations on account of power situation . The news of erratic power situation prevailing in the valley has traveled to other parts of the country like wild fire resulting in cancellations of their Kashmir trip, hotel and other bookings subjecting stakeholders to considerable loss.It appears the Department is continuously failing in meeting the aspiration of the consumers and is not able to explain the reasons of Departments failure. The KCC&I would, seek Lt. Governor’s intervention for appointing a fact finding Committee to pin point the faulty links that lead to the miseries of the consumers particularly the Senior Citizen, Sick, students, Health, Education, Industries, Tourism Sector and industry.
 Fiaz Ahmad Bakshi
Secretary General
