Srinagar, Nov 13: As Kashmir prepares for the harsh winter months; residents across the region are voicing frustration over prolonged, unscheduled power cuts. Consumers of the Power Development Department (PDD) have alleged that the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has failed to address the ongoing issue, with the peak winter season still ahead.
Many residents told Rising Kashmir that despite KPDCL’s claims of infrastructure improvements across Jammu and Kashmir, the situation remains unchanged. “What we witnessed in past winters is repeating itself now,” said Mansoor Ahmed, a resident of Baramulla. “There has been no improvement in the power scenario, even though in recent winters we did experience some improvement. This year, however, it feels like nothing has changed.”
Ahmed also expressed disappointment regarding the installation of smart meters in his area. “The department promised that areas with smart meters would have a 24×7 power supply, but this promise remains just on paper,” he said.
Similar grievances were echoed by residents in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, where consumers reported receiving only two to three hours of power supply, with extended periods of outages in between.
A patient in Kupwara who relies on oxygen support described the challenges posed by the unreliable power supply. “I have had no choice but to invest in a generator because the power supply from the department is completely unreliable, despite their promises,” he said.
The issue extends to Srinagar city as well, where residents are dealing with both frequent outages and escalating electricity bills. “In the past one to two years, electricity tariffs have doubled,” shared a local resident. “We are receiving bills between two to four thousand rupees, but there’s been no improvement in the power supply.”
The government recently announced that an additional 200 MW of power had been acquired to alleviate the strain on the existing grid. However, consumers say the impact has been negligible, with prolonged outages continuing to disrupt their daily lives.
Despite multiple calls, senior officials were unavailable to provide their perspective on the situation or respond to the consumers’ concerns.
With the temperature steadily dropping and the most severe part of the winter season yet to arrive, residents of Kashmir Valley remain apprehensive.
Ensure power supply strictly as per schedule: DC Sgr to officials
In wake of ensuing winter season, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat today chaired a meeting to review power scenario to ensure adequate electricity supply in the District.
At the outset, the DC reviewed the progress under CSS-RDSS Scheme, PM Surya Ghar, Muft bijli Yojana, buffer stock availability of transformers and other related issues including winter Preparedness.
While reviewing the Curtailment Schedule and Power availability to the consumers, the DC asked the concerned to ensure power supply is available to consumers strictly as per the already notified curtailment schedule and adequate arrangements are in place to meet the power demand of 450-500 MW of power in Srinagar City.
Like wise, the DC stressed that adequate buffer stock of transformers should be available in all Divisional Stores which includes availability of Key Material like Distribution transformers, ST poles, Conductor etc to meet any eventuality in case of outages caused due to harsh weather conditions. Moreover, the damaged DT shall be replaced and power supply to the area restored within the stipulated timeline.
With regard to progress made under RDSS, The chair expressed concern over low progress achieved in one of the divisions and directed the executing agencies carrying out reforms works under RDSS in to speed up the works so that the set target is achieved within the stipulated timeline.
During the meeting, the PM Surya Ghar and Muft Bijli Yojana also came to discussion and the chair was informed that out of the total 3725 applications received in PMS:MBY, 859 were from Srinagar District out of which 156 installations have been completed. The Department was asked to encourage and facilitate the consumers to install the Roof Top Solar system which will go a long way ensuring the reliability of power, capacity building, environmental friendly generation, besides reduced electricity bills.
Among others, the meeting was attended by SE Cr-II, KPDCL, Shurjeel Ghani Lala, SE Projects KPDCL, Nisar Ahmed Lone, Xen ED-I, Majeed Salroo, Xen ED-III, Firdous Ahmed, Xen TLMD-I, KPTCL, Ajay Puri, and AEEs.
