Idrees Bukhtiyar
Srinagar, May 22: Residents of Muree Doba area of Sukhdar village in north Kashmir’s Uri town on Friday accused the Power Development Department (PDD) of failing to restore electricity in the area, alleging that a damaged transformer has remained defunct for nearly three months, causing severe inconvenience to consumers.
Locals said the 25 KV transformer supplying electricity to the locality developed a fault before the commencement of Ramadan. Although the transformer was reportedly repaired and reinstalled during the holy month, it broke down again within a few hours, leaving the area without a stable power supply once again.
They said the damaged transformer was later shifted to a workshop for repairs, but despite repeated requests and follow-ups by residents, it has not been reinstalled so far.
The residents further alleged that officials had assured them that the faulty 25 KV transformer would be replaced with a higher-capacity 63 KV transformer to improve electricity supply in the locality. However, they claimed the assurance has remained confined to verbal promises, with officials repeatedly delaying the installation.
The prolonged power crisis has disrupted normal life in the border locality. Residents said students preparing for examinations are unable to study properly, while elderly persons and patients dependent on oxygen support are facing immense difficulties due to the erratic power supply.
Locals have urged senior PDD officials and the district administration to intervene immediately and ensure restoration of electricity in the area without further delay.
However, Executive Engineer KPDCL Baramulla, Farooq Ahmad Ganai, said that a new 63 KVA transformer has been approved for the village. “I will try my best to ensure that it is sent and installed by tomorrow or the day after to restore smooth electricity supply,” he said.