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Nasir Ali
Srinagar: Unscheduled power cuts are taking a toll on residents in various areas of the summer capital. The residents expressed their strong resentment over the unscheduled power cuts especially during morning scheduled hours. Residents of various areas of Srinagar told ‘The Mirror of Kashmir’ that the areas area fully metered and cabling has been completed as well. “Digital meters, new transformers and cables have been installed. We are paying out monthly power bills as per the meter readings. But unfortunately, the power department doesn’t follow the proper schedule especially in the morning hours,” said Tawfeeq Lone, a resident.
Last month, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department (PDD), J&K government H Rajesh Prasad reiterated the J&K government’s commitment to improving the quality of power services and infrastructure in the region. Spoke at a significant public outreach programme cum grievance redressal camp held at Akura in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, Prasad assured the people that their concerns would be addressed systematically with concrete measures implemented to enhance the overall power scenario.
Consumers have been cooperative. Smart meters are being installed, and more are in the pipeline. A significant number of consumers have transitioned to prepaid mode. However, there remains a pressing need for improved power supply. While promises of round-the-clock supply were made by officials in the past for metered areas, this promise hasn’t been fully realized, leading to demands for its extension.
Hydroelectric power holds tremendous potential for generation, which must be fully utilized. This can be achieved through the completion of ongoing projects and the establishment of new ones in the state sector. Historically, there has been limited interest from previous governments in expanding power projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
Had this process begun earlier, we would have achieved self-sufficiency in the power sector, enabling us not only to meet our own needs but also to export power to other states. The lack of timely initiatives from successive state governments has contributed to the recurring power crises.
The responsibility for these crises also lies with past governments, as insufficient attention was given to the power sector. It is imperative to address these shortcomings and forge ahead towards a more robust power infrastructure.
Another consumer from downtown Srinagar quoted Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s promise when he announced that the poor would get a relief in their power bills, “The government will take care of the poor man who can’t afford to pay power bills but those who have palatial houses, iPhones and 5G internet service and other sophisticated gadgets have to pay power tariff as per their usage. No excuses will be entertained,” the LG said addressing a gathering at Mini Secretariat in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district last year.
However, many residents expressed the desire for the government to adopt consumer categorization, similar to the Directorate of Food Civil Supplies’ transparent approach in categorizing beneficiaries, which was widely praised. They suggested that the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) should implement a similar system for its consumers.
Amid criticism over frequent and unplanned power outages in the Kashmir Valley, the Power Development Department (PDD) has initiated disconnection of electricity supply for consumers with outstanding power bills. This action was confirmed by the official handler of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), who regularly updates on various issues including power supply disconnections and smart meter tampering. Recently, the department announced its intention to publicly name commercial and industrial consumers who have failed to pay their energy bills for three months or more. In response to this announcement, consumers on social media expressed skepticism, questioning whether the KPDCL would indeed expose larger defaulters, including government offices and other establishments, or if it was merely a token gesture, netizens wrote in response to the post.
Meanwhile, consumers expressed anger against the power department. “Earlier there was an excuse that hooking takes place. Now almost entire Srinagar areas have been covered under cabling and new transformers have been installed and started as well. There is no room for hooking or any other way of stealing the power and yet the department resorts to unscheduled cuts,” they said.
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Representational image
the story is published in The Daily Mirror of Kashmir on 15 Feb.20224
