LoC village in Gurez struggles with low voltage, unreliable power

Bandipora, Aug 28: Residents of Refugee, the last inhabited village along the Line of Control in the Bagtore area of Gurez Valley, are facing severe difficulties due to extremely low electricity voltage and an unreliable power supply.
Villagers said the voltage remains so weak that even basic electrical appliances, including lamps, often fail to function properly. They said despite regularly paying their electricity bills, the village continues to receive inadequate and unreliable power.
The situation has left residents frustrated, with locals questioning how a remote border settlement continues to struggle with basic electricity requirements at a time when access to reliable power has become essential for education, communication and everyday life.
According to locals, the village earlier received comparatively better electricity through a diesel generator. They said the situation deteriorated after the settlement was connected to the transmission line from Bandipora.
Abdul Hamid Lone, a resident of the village, said Refugee is the last inhabited settlement along the LoC in Block Bagtore and has been facing the low-voltage problem for a considerable period.
“Our village is situated along the Line of Control, and despite being a border village, we continue to face severe low-voltage problems. The supply is so weak that even basic electrical appliances cannot function properly. We request the authorities to understand our difficulties and provide us with a proper and reliable electricity supply,” he said.
Residents have appealed to the Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, and concerned power authorities to intervene and resolve the issue. They have specifically demanded installation of a dedicated transformer for the village to ensure stable electricity supply. [KNT]