Srinagar, Mar 10 : The unit holders at the Industrial Estate HMT Zainakote have expressed anguish over the erratic power supply after the PDD announced curtailment schedule for the Estate.

President Industrial Estate Zainakote, Mohammad Ayoub said that despite separate feeder earmarked for the Industrial Estate, low voltage and frequent power cuts had become a norm at the Estate.

“The power cuts are being forced during peak hours of work. This is hampering our productivity and is resulting in losses for unit holders," he said.

However, an official said that there were no “unscheduled” power cuts, except in case of breakdown or maintenance work.

"If the unitholders want any changes in the scheduled power cuts, they can approach the PDD and discuss it," the official said. 

An industrialist dealing with cold chain food processing alleged that a separate feeder which was allotted for Industrial Estate HMT Zainakote for commercial use, was being used to distribute electricity to the local population also, "which results in the drop of voltage and erratic power supply to industries."

"We have apprised the PDD officials about the issue but on the ground nothing substantial has been done so far. Electricity is the fuel for industries, if we don’t have smooth electric supply, both the manpower and machinery come to a halt which ultimately leads to losses. We have to spend extra money on operation of DG sets, even more than the amount we pay for power tariffs," he said.

Chief Engineer PDD for Distribution, Ejaz Ahmad said that they would look into the grievances of the unit holders. (KNO)