Ganderbal Mar 02: Residents of various areas in Ganderbal district are facing severe disruptions due to unscheduled power cuts giving them tough times in the holy month of Ramadan. Residents expressed widespread frustration and anger accusing the Power Development Department (PDD) of failing to provide a reliable electricity supply, particularly during the critical times of Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (evening meal to break the fast).
A delegation of residents from areas including Kangan, Hari Ganiwan, Satruna, Cherwan, Prang, Sumbal, and Gund expressed their grievances, stating that the PDD has not updated its power supply schedule despite the onset of Ramadan. They claim that the department is still following the winter power schedule, leading to frequent and untimely power outages.
“The electricity has been playing hide and seek for the past one week,” said Riyaz Lone, a local resident. Adding, “During the ongoing month of holy Ramadan, power has been erratic during Sehri and Iftar times. We have requested the officials of PDD to improve the power supply, but to no avail.”
Residents emphasized that the unscheduled power cuts have caused immense inconvenience, especially during the holy month when families gather for prayers and meals.
The locals have warned that if the PDD fails to address the issue promptly, they will be forced to stage protests. “We appeal to the PDD to provide us with uninterrupted electricity, especially during Ramadan. If the situation does not improve, we will have no choice but to take to the streets,” said another resident.
The persistent power outages have disrupted daily routines and added to the trouble faced by residents. Many have called for immediate intervention from higher authorities to ensure a stable power supply during this sacred period.
