Residents irked over power cuts during Navratras

Tribune News Service

Jammu, March 29

On the second day of Navratras, the Power Development Department (PDD) failed to ensure uninterrupted power supply to Jammu city, evoking resentment among residents.

Jammu city has been facing unscheduled power cuts for the past many days.

Irked by the unscheduled power cuts, locals are questioning the promises made to them by the PDP-BJP government and the silence of BJP MLAs and ministers who have failed to take up the issue when the power portfolio is with Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh.

The metered areas are also being subjected to unscheduled power cuts. People living in these areas are questioning the tall claims of the government of streamlining the power supply system in the state.

“People are facing problems because of power cuts during Navratras. It is strange that the Deputy Chief Minister, who is from the BJP and holds the power portfolio, has failed to ensure proper electricity supply,” said Suresh Sharma, a local.

However, PDD officials say that while works have been undertaken under the Restructured Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme (R-APDRP), people are angry because they are being subjected to power cuts.

Executive Engineer, PDD, Ravinder Sharma said the department was carrying out repair of its infrastructure ahead of summer and R-APDRP was the main reason for the cuts. “We are aware of the problems faced by people. We will look into the issue and alter the days to carry out the repair,” said Sharma.

Frequent and extended unscheduled power cuts during the peak of summer and winter have become a routine in the state as the government has failed to take drastic steps to stop power pilferage and act against the ‘power thieves’, which include the common man, government departments and influential people in the state.