Ganderbal, Sep 29: In a significant development for the region, the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) has resumed repair work on the Upper Sindh Hydro Power Canal (USP) (I) after a delay last year due to adverse weather conditions. The repairing efforts, which began two weeks ago in the Gund area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, have drawn the attention and support of the local community.
The USP-I Power Canal, stretching from Kullan to Sumbal Bala Gund, has long served as the lifeblood of this area, providing power and sustenance to the local residents. The repair teams have been hard at work, and the community has rallied around this vital project, offering their support and encouragement.
Local resident Riyaz Ahmad expressed happiness over the development, saying, “We are overjoyed that the JKPDC has taken the initiative to repair the damaged panels of the power canal. This project has been our lifeline, and its restoration means the world to us.” He urged the authorities to consider protective measures like fencing or laying steel pipes along the canal to ensure the safety of the residents.
The constant fear and anxiety experienced by nearby communities during the rainy season has called for the urgency of comprehensive repairs to the power canal. A breach in the canal in 2014 resulted in significant damage to residential properties and agricultural land, highlighting the canal’s vital importance.
Local residents are keen for the repair work to continue swiftly to prevent further difficulties for the surrounding communities. They have appealed to relevant department officials to expedite the repair work for the entire power canal.
According to sources within the Power Development Corporation, the USP-I Power Canal comprises a total of 12,000 concrete panels, with the contractor currently tasked with reconstructing 1,700 panels. The community remains hopeful that these efforts will ensure the smooth operation of this essential lifeline for years to come.
