Bandipora, Aug 14: Gurez valley of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district is on the verge of overcoming its longstanding power challenges.
Despite the operational 330-megawatt Kishanganga power project, Gurez has grappled with an unreliable power connection for years.
Joint Director Planning Bandipora, Imtiyaz Ahmad while sharing insights with Rising Kashmir said that significant advancements have been made in the power infrastructure in Gurez valley.
The Control room building construction in Dawar has been successfully concluded, and over 80 percent of the 33KV outdoor yard construction at the Dawar receiving station is also complete,” he said.
Regarding the crucial 33KV line linking the Bandipora grid to Dawar, Imtiyaz said that of the 66-kilometer stretch, 22 kilometers up to Peer Baba have been fully completed, including pole erection while as key 250KVA stations at Tragbal and Peer Baba have been charged and are now operational.
The ongoing project also involves the construction of a chain link fencing wall, with 40 percent of the work already accomplished, he said, adding that progress is being made on the civil work for a 3.15 MVA switching station at DAM TOE.
While outlining the project’s future trajectory, Imtiyaz indicated that upon completion of the remaining work valued at 2676.92 lacs, Gurez will finally enjoy uninterrupted electricity supply.
Addressing the anticipated timeline, he acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the Gurez valley’s geography. “Navigating the valley’s high altitudes, including the formidable Razdan Pass, a 3,556-meter high mountain pass in the Himalayas, presents unpredictable and adverse weather conditions that make it challenging to pinpoint a specific deadline at this stage,” Imtiyaz explained.
Notably, Gurez relies on high-capacity diesel generators placed in various areas to provide limited and timed power to households at subsidized rates.
