Unannounced Power Cuts Paralyze Daily Life
By Shafqat Sheikh
The Chenab Valley, comprising the districts of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban, is facing severe hardships during the winter due to unannounced and prolonged power cuts. This region, known for its significant contribution to electricity generation, ironically suffers from some of the worst power supply irregularities. For residents of this rural and hilly region, outages lasting over 20 hours a day have become an unfortunate routine, disrupting every aspect of daily life.
A Region Rich in Power Generation, Left in the Dark
Despite its key role in powering Jammu and Kashmir, the Chenab Valley remains deprived of basic electricity needs. Several major hydroelectric projects, such as the Baglihar Hydropower Project in Ramban and the Dul Hasti Power Project in Kishtwar, generate electricity for the entire union territory under the management of NHPC (National Hydro Power Corporation). However, the people living in the vicinity of these power plants continue to endure frequent outages, sometimes lasting days.
Ashiq Hussain Wani, a resident of Bunjwah in Kishtwar, pointed out the irony of the situation. He said the Choudhary Power Project, which has been generating 20 MW of electricity since 2009, is located in their area, yet residents endure complete outages weekly and frequent unannounced cuts. Ashiq expressed frustration, saying his complaints to authorities have been ignored. According to him, power theft by influential individuals, government departments, and others is a major reason for these outages. This mismanagement leaves ordinary citizens struggling in the dark, especially during the harsh winters.
Incomplete Infrastructure Adds to the Woes
The lack of proper infrastructure has worsened the power crisis in remote areas like Bunjwah. Many electrification projects that began before 1990 remain incomplete. Damaged wooden poles, broken barbed wires, and outdated transmission systems not only fail to provide reliable power but also pose a safety hazard for residents.
Adding insult to injury, consumers in these areas are charged additional monthly fees of ₹1,040, but there has been no noticeable improvement in the power supply or infrastructure. The absence of maintenance and repair work has only compounded the hardships faced by the people of Chenab Valley.
Stalled Grid Station Construction
In 2016, during a grievance redressal camp in Kishtwar, the then Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti sanctioned an electricity grid station for Bunjwah. Land was acquired, and initial construction began. However, the work was soon stalled and remains incomplete to this day. This delay has left residents deeply disappointed, as they continue to wait for this critical infrastructure to be completed. They are now urging the authorities to resume the project and address this long-standing demand.
Unfulfilled Promises and Rising Electricity Bills
The promises made by successive governments to improve power supply have largely remained unfulfilled. The commitment made under the leadership of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to provide 200 units of free electricity to rural households is yet to materialize. Instead, residents like Adil Hussain from Bunjwah are facing sudden increases in electricity bills, further burdening families, especially those living below the poverty line.
Adil expressed his concern, highlighting how the rising costs of electricity have left many families struggling to make ends meet. Residents are now demanding an uninterrupted power supply and immediate repairs to the damaged infrastructure.
Calls for Intervention
The people of Chenab Valley are urging the government to take urgent steps to address the power crisis in the region. They have called for Chief Minister Manoj Sinha to personally intervene and form a committee to review electricity tariffs and ensure the provision of uninterrupted power to rural and remote areas like Bunjwah. Many residents feel that their issues have been ignored for too long, and it is high time that the government fulfills its promises.
A Life Paralyzed
Winter is particularly harsh in the Chenab Valley, and the lack of electricity has severely impacted daily life. With no power for long stretches, students struggle to study, businesses suffer, and families are left in freezing conditions without basic heating. The situation is especially dire for those in rural and mountainous regions, where alternative sources of energy are scarce.
The people of Chenab Valley are tired of empty promises and delayed action. They are looking to the government for meaningful and immediate solutions to bring an end to this ongoing crisis. It is their hope that authorities will take note of their plight and ensure that the power-rich Chenab region is no longer left in darkness.
(Note:The author is a freelance writer and columnist from Kishtwar, J&K, and can be reached at freelancershafqat@gmail.com or 0941997577.)
