Winter in Kashmir is not merely a season; it is a test of endurance. Short days, sub-zero temperatures, and frequent snowfall turn electricity into a basic necessity rather than a convenience. Yet every year, residents of Srinagar and nearby areas are forced to endure prolonged power cuts during the harshest months, often due to planned shutdowns announced by the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL). This recurring practice raises a simple but serious question: why is major repair and upgrade work carried out in winter, when electricity is needed the most?
Summer offers longer daylight hours and far more favourable working conditions. Maintenance and upgrade work can be completed faster, more safely, and with minimal disruption to daily life. Winter, by contrast, slows everything down. Freezing temperatures, reduced daylight, and difficult terrain stretch repair timelines, while power cuts during these months directly affect heating, lighting, water supply, and basic household functioning. For the elderly, children, and the sick, these outages are not just inconvenient—they can be dangerous.
KPDCL argues that planned shutdowns are essential to strengthen infrastructure and ensure better supply during periods of high demand. It is also true that dry winters reduce power generation from hydroelectric plants, resulting in additional daily cuts of up to 2.5 hours. However, these realities do not fully justify the timing of major works. Pre-winter preparedness reviews are meant precisely to anticipate such challenges, and critical upgrades should ideally be completed before extreme cold sets in.
The situation worsens when unplanned outages caused by snowfall, rain, and line faults are added to scheduled shutdowns. When planned and unexpected cuts overlap, daily life comes to a standstill, leaving residents anxious and frustrated. Promises of improved winter supply lose credibility when ongoing projects continue to disrupt power during the most vulnerable period of the year.
Kashmir does not need confrontation; it needs thoughtful planning. Heavy maintenance should be prioritised in summer, infrastructure must be made resilient enough to withstand winter stress, and communication with the public should be timely, clear, and transparent. Reliable electricity in winter is not a luxury—it is essential for dignity, safety, and survival. A little foresight and sensitivity from KPDCL can make an enormous difference when every hour of light and warmth truly matters.
