HM Desk
Due to slow discharge of water in rivers in Jammu and Kashmir, the Union territory is heading towards a major electricity crisis, especially with the low rainfall in the past two months.
UT is facing a daily shortfall of 1,500 to 2,000 megawatts, forcing the department to go for long power cuts, especially in Kashmir.
The administration spends over ₹31,000 crore per year to purchase electricity from the Northern Grid, is in the process of getting an additional 500 MW.
The frequent power cuts at a time when smart meters are being installed have irked people who blame administration for not fulfilling it’s promise of an uninterrupted power supply. As winter is approaching, the power crisis could further deepen if the administration doesn’t arrange additional power supply.
In modern world, electricity is a lifeline. Despite the region having vast potential to produce hydropower, industries, businesses and tourism, which are vital for the region’s growth, are suffering due to unreliable power supply. In winter, tourism is a significant source of income for the region and the looming power crisis threatens to disrupt this sector.
Most of the businesses heavily rely on electricity and the persistent power cuts have led to monetary losses. “In winter and sub-zero temperatures, we don’t even get six hours of electricity. Patients with respiratory illnesses and school children who are appearing for examinations are the ones who suffer the most. Our children can’t afford to study late or early morning because lack of electricity.”
Over the past couple of years, J&K administration has been making additional efforts to lure private investments, especially in industrial, tourism and health sectors. These efforts are likely to suffer because of the issue as well.
Kashmiris say they have never seen power supply like other states of the country, despite there is lot of potential to generate power in J&K. Traders and common masses are suffering alike.
Even the consumers feel let down. They are facing power crisis despite the installation of smart meters. The schedule is never followed properly and when power is not supplied on regular basis, what is point of these meters.
On Wednesday, chief secretary Arun Kumar Mehta held review meeting in Srinagar and asked the divisional administration to ensure quality power. “The scheduled eight-hour cut in non-metered areas should be ensured besides taking measures for uninterrupted power supply to all the smart metered habitations,” he said.
