Pesky power cuts

While the pious days of Rabi-ul-Awwal—the Islamic month, are going on, the shrines and Masjids across the Valley are witnessing huge gatherings on a regular basis ahead of the Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW). However, it has been observed that the electricity, especially in the Old City areas is playing hide and seek, pushing the residents here to the wall. The situation is being witnessed at a time when the government has directed the concerned Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the people, especially during these days. Nonetheless, the residents have accused the concerned department of ignoring their plights, saying that inadequate electricity has been witnessed in the past few days, causing immense hardships to them. Even the local traders have claimed that the businesses, in particular, have been significantly affected, with frequent disruptions impacting productivity and economic stability. They stated that it’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a serious hindrance to our daily lives and economic activities. The pesky power cuts despite the augmentation of infrastructure, particularly in the past four years, have put a question mark over the government claims about ensuring round-the-clock electricity to the consumers in Jammu & Kashmir. It seems that the pesky power cuts won’t stop disturbing the consumers across Jammu & Kashmir in the upcoming winter season as well. The consumers were otherwise expecting that the power schedule usually being announced in the winter period will come to an end from this season after the installation of smart meters, but the situation has indicated a different scenario ahead of the winters. The government needs to take strict measures in this regard and ensure adequate electricity is supplied to the people across Kashmir ahead of the Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).