Unscheduled Power Cuts Add to Kashmir’s Winter Woes

12/12/2024

As the biting cold of winter envelops Kashmir, the region's residents are grappling with a pressing issue: unscheduled power cuts. Despite clear directives from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to stabilize the electricity supply, these power outages persist, compounding the difficulties faced by people during the harsh winter months. This situation is not merely an inconvenience but a significant disruption to daily life, exacerbating the already challenging conditions that the winter season brings. The frustration among Kashmir's residents is palpable. Many have reported that the Power Development Department's promised curtailment schedules are not being adhered to, resulting in widespread, unpredictable power outages. Nisar Ahmad from Eidgah in Srinagar exemplifies this widespread discontent, recounting how the power supply failed to resume as scheduled, leaving families in the dark and cold.
These unscheduled power cuts are more than just a matter of inconvenience. They pose serious risks to the well-being and safety of the population. In the frigid winter months, electricity is essential for heating homes, ensuring proper lighting, and maintaining communication. Without it, daily activities become nearly impossible, and the health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly and children, increase significantly. Moreover, businesses and essential services are also severely impacted. Shops, hospitals, and schools struggle to function without a consistent power supply, leading to economic losses and a disruption in essential services. This only adds to the overall stress and hardship experienced by the community.
The ongoing power issues call for urgent and effective intervention. Authorities must prioritize ensuring that power curtailment schedules are strictly followed. Any necessary deviations should be communicated transparently and promptly to the public to allow residents to plan accordingly. Additionally, there should be a focus on improving the infrastructure and management of the power supply to prevent such issues from recurring. In the face of these challenges, it is crucial for the government and the Power Development Department to work collaboratively and proactively. By addressing these power supply issues with urgency, the administration can help alleviate the burden on Kashmir's residents and ensure they are not left in the dark during the coldest months of the year. This will not only improve the quality of life but also restore confidence in the government's ability to manage essential services effectively.

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