Hakeem urges Central, J&K govts to address power woes

Srinagar, Dec 13: Chairman of People’s Democratic Front (PDF), Hakeem Yaseen has expressed deep concern over the “worsening power crisis” across Kashmir, particularly in Khag and other rural areas of Budgam district.
“The entire Kashmir Valley is experiencing unprecedented power outages. Residents have been plunged into prolonged darkness, while the government appears unable to address the situation,” he said in a statement issued here.
Hakeem Yaseen urged both the Central and J&K governments to step in and allocate additional power to meet the needs of the people during the harsh winter months. “This is not the time for a blame game; pragmatic solutions are needed to tackle the current power crisis,” he said, adding that many areas, including both metered and non-metered zones, are enduring power cuts lasting 10-15 hours daily.
Expressing dismay over the “valley-wide power disruptions”, the former minister appealed to the Chief Minister to make addressing the power crisis a top priority. He said frequent power curtailments have not only disrupted daily life but have also adversely affected businesses, students preparing for exams and even critical patients in hospitals who depend on reliable electricity.
The PDF chief also called for a renewed focus on local energy production. He called for constructing mini power projects in water-rich rural areas, including the proposed Sukhnag Mini Hydel Power Project and Shaliganga Mini Hydel Power Project in Budgam district. “These mini power projects can play a pivotal role in meeting local power demands and reducing dependency on external sources,” he said.