Erratic power supply, low voltage irk Manali hoteliers
BQ—– “It is disappointing that we are facing these problems during winters, the peak tourist season. The state government is talking about promotion of tourism sector but has failed to develop the basic infrastructure. —-Hem Raj Sharma, hotel owner in Manali
Dipender Manta
Tribune News Service
Mandi, January 3
The problem of erratic power supply and low voltage during winters has become a cause for concern for the hoteliers in Manali town. Due to these issues, they are unable to provide adequate facilities to tourists during their stay, hotel owners rued.
The voltage was low and power supply erratic in the tourist town. As a result, customers were facing inconvenience in heating water for bathing and using room heaters, especially during the night, they said.
Hoteliers said they had met officials of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) on several occasion in the past to apprise them of the issue and find a suitable solution.
Hem Raj Sharma, owner of a hotel in Manali town, said “Low voltage is a big issue here, persisting for the past several years. During winter season, power supply becomes erratic, which adversely impacts the tourism industry.”
“It is disappointing that we are facing these problems during winters, the peak tourist season. The state government is talking about promotion of tourism sector but has failed to develop the basic infrastructure. Power supply should be strengthened in Manali town well in advance before the onset of winter season,” he remarked.
Anup Thakur, president of Paryatan Vikas Mandal, Kullu-Manali, said “We apprised officials of the electricity department about this issue and demanded strengthening of power structure in the region. We urge the district administration as well as the electricity department to ensure regular power supply because the issue is adversely impacting the tourist footfall.”
Meanwhile, Sanjay Kaushal, Superintendent Engineer of HP State Electricity Board, Kullu, said “To deal with this problem, we had increased the power load from 26 MV to 30MV in Manali this year before the onset of winter. But during Christmas and New Year, the load consumption went up to 34MV, creating the issue.”
“Efforts are being made to provide smooth power supply to Manali during the winter season. For the next year, we are planning to enhance the load capacity to find a permanent solution to the problem,” he added.
