Kashmir reels under long electricity cuts

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Srinagar, February 25

Despite the claims of Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL), residents across many areas of the Kashmir valley continue to suffer unscheduled power outages, both in metered as well as non-metered zones.

No respite despite High Court’s rap

• On February 19, Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited suffered a setback when the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court fell victim to a two-hour power breakdown.
• Highlighting lack of lighting and non-functioning air heating units, a Bench described the situation as “pathetic and unbelievable”.

In Batamaloo, residents say they have been facing power cuts lasting 10-12 hours in smart metered areas, and even longer, up to 15 hours, in non-metered zones. Similar grievances echo from neighborhoods like Jawahar Nagar, Chattabal, Tengpora, Mominabad, and Karanagar. Residents from Pulwama, Qazigund, Ganderbal, and subdivision Kangan have also complained of power cuts.

On February 19, the JKPDC suffered a setback when the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court itself fell victim to a two-hour power breakdown, prompting judges to describe the situation as “pathetic and unbelievable.” In their order, the two-judge Bench highlighted the lack of lighting and non-functioning air heating units, emphasising the dire state of affairs.

The high court urged the J&K administration to seek a “permanent solution” to the power crisis. The court called upon Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to issue necessary directives for resolving the issue promptly. The court’s suggestions included establishing a dedicated power line to the high court, supplemented by generators capable of sustaining uninterrupted power supply to the entire premises, including heating facilities.