Srinagar, Jan 14: As the Kashmir Valley experienced heavy snowfall on Friday, electricity was disrupted in many areas, including Srinagar. The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) stated that, except the border areas, power supply has been restored throughout the Kashmir valley.
Chief Engineer PDD, Er. Javid Yousuf, told Rising Kashmir that they were ready for weather emergencies and said that the electricity had been restored across the valley within a short time. He said that, except for Kupwara’s Machil and Tangdar areas, electricity has been restored.
He revealed that the department had formed restoration teams in all subdivisions of the Kashmir valley to restore the main lines in no time. In addition, helpline numbers were provided in case any consumer experienced any difficulties.
However, people from various areas of the valley, including people across Srinagar outskirts, said they have faced prolonged power cuts after the snowfall. They said the department is not providing electricity to them as per the schedule issued.
Consumers in Bemina and Batmaloo told Rising Kashmir that they are witnessing huge power cuts despite the regular fee hike. A consumer at Batmaloo said that their electricity tariff had been doubled by the department in the recent past. However, there was no improvement in the area’s electricity.
Contesting the people’s claims, the chief engineer said that their men had been on the job since snowfall began in the Kashmir valley. He admitted that in some locations in Srinagar and elsewhere, there were minor faults due to which people in some locations witnessed power cuts.
“Around 99 percent of the area has been cleared of faults, and are likely to get electricity as per schedule,” the officer added.
The officer went on to say that when Kashmir witnessed snowfall on Friday, there was 1400 megawatts of power demand, while on normal days there is around 1600 megawatts of demand and supply.
“Some border areas have witnessed heavy snowfall resulting in closure of roads. Our men are unable to reach them, but once the road is cleared, the men will be put to work immediately to restore power.” he said.
