Residents, hoteliers of Gagangeer-Choonadagi protest over power cuts

Demand restoration of 24-hour electricity supply critical for tourism sector

Last updated: May 24, 2024 12:41 am

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Ganderbal, May 23: Residents and hoteliers of the Gagangeer-Choonadagi area in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Thursday gathered at the Gagangeer grid station to protest against the recent electricity cuts imposed by the local power department.
The aggrieved hoteliers expressed their frustration over the sudden reduction in power supply, which, they said, has caused significant disruptions to their daily lives and economic activities.
The hoteliers including numerous locals said they used to have a 24-hour electricity supply. However, this consistent service was abruptly discontinued, leading to substantial financial losses for the hospitality sector in the area, they said.
The Junior Engineer (JE) (Maintenance) at the grid station explained that the continuous power supply from Sonmarg, which Gagangeer-Choonadagi relied on, has been redirected to a new, separate cable line serving Sonamarg. As a result, Gagangee-Choonadagi will now receive electricity according to a revised schedule, he said.
Despite the explanation, hoteliers are not satisfied. “We have been paying our monthly electricity bills diligently and are entitled to a 24-hour power supply,” one hotel owner remarked. “This new schedule is not only inconvenient but also detrimental to our business, especially since Gagangair is a tourist destination. Our customers, particularly those staying overnight, are unhappy with the unreliable power supply.”
The hoteliers said they had raised their concerns with the Power Development Department (PDD) but to no avail. They said the new schedule is inadequate for a commercial power supply line crucial to a tourist spot like Gagangeer.
“This issue is severely impacting our business. Tent owners and hoteliers alike are suffering,” another hotelier said. “We urgently need the authorities to reconsider and restore the 24-hour power supply to support the local economy and maintain the satisfaction of our visitors.”
The residents and business owners have called for immediate action by the PDD to address their grievances and ensure a reliable power supply to the area.