The persistent absence of electricity in a Union Territory that claims massive annual investments to upgrade its power infrastructure exposes a glaring failure of governance. Every year, hundreds of crores are allocated to improve the power sector, but the moment winter arrives, plunging the region into bitter cold, citizens are left in darkness. What follows is a predictable barrage of excuses: transmission and distribution (T&D) losses, insufficient rainfall, or an overburdened system. These tired justifications no longer resonate with a frustrated public, who are left questioning why basic necessities remain out of reach despite repeated assurances.
The situation is particularly frustrating because the government’s promises often paint an optimistic picture. In summer, officials claim that the region is self-sufficient in electricity generation, with robust infrastructure ready to meet future demands. Yet, when winter sets in, these promises prove to be hollow. The gap between words and actions is widening, eroding public trust and exposing systemic inefficiencies within the Power Development Department (PDD).
It’s not just a matter of inconvenience; this is about survival. Electricity is an essential need, especially during the harsh winter months when it powers heating systems, facilitates daily life, and ensures basic comfort. However, despite decades of investment and planning, the power infrastructure continues to collapse when it’s needed the most. T&D losses, often cited as a primary reason for power shortages, have persisted for years, raising questions about why these issues remain unaddressed. Blaming rainfall shortages for reduced hydroelectric output is another recurring excuse, but it fails to justify the lack of planning to diversify energy sources or upgrade the grid.
The lack of accountability in the power sector compounds the problem. Crores of rupees are spent each year, but there is little evidence of tangible improvement. Where is this money going? What projects are being completed, and how are they improving the system? These are questions the government must answer. The public deserves transparency about how its resources are being utilized and what specific steps are being taken to ensure reliable power supply during winter.
The general public’s patience is wearing thin. People are tired of living through annual cycles of power cuts, broken promises, and mismanagement. The government and PDD must stop offering excuses and start delivering results. Immediate measures are needed to address inefficiencies, ensure completion of pending projects, and invest in alternative energy sources. Transparent audits of the power department’s expenditures should be conducted, and clear timelines for addressing the crisis must be communicated to the public.
Electricity is not a privilege but a basic necessity, and the continued failure to provide it undermines the UT’s aspirations for development and progress. The administration must act decisively to restore faith and provide citizens with what is rightfully theirs. Words will no longer suffice; it is time for action.
