Doda, Kishtwar without power

Amir Karim Tantray

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 10

After ignoring the demand for a divisional status like Ladakh, the state has virtually left people of the Chenab valley to fend for themselves in the absence of electricity, road connectivity and other basic amenities.

For the past five days, the area is reeling under severe cold since the first heavy snowfall of the season blocked road connectivity and damaged power infrastructure.

Around eight towers of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation’s (NHPC) 132-KV line have been damaged from Nashri to Kishtwar. The restoration process hasn’t been completed yet.

Nearly one-foot snow has accumulated in Doda town and all other upper regions. The 110-km Batote-Kishtwar national highway continued to remain closed for the fourth consecutive day for heavy motor vehicles. Fuel supply and other essential items haven’t yet reached the area.

The Chenab valley generates hundreds of mega watts of electricity which is the one of the most important sources of income for the state. The Central government, through the NHPC, also earns millions of rupees through power generation from the area but when it comes to giving back, the area remains neglected.

Officials of the power development department said it would take another couple of days to restore electricity in Doda and Kishtwar districts. “Eight towers of the 132-KV NHPC line have been damaged. We are hopeful to restore power in a day or two in Doda and Kishtwar,” Sudhir Gupta, chief engineer of the department, told The Tribune. However, electricity hasn’t been restored in the districts.