Pilgrims must not suffer

A decision has been made by the government to put an end to the power cuts in Jammu City from June 20, but the power woes are seemingly endless in the Valley as the reports have suggested that the government is still looking for alternatives to purchase the electricity to be supplied to the consumers across the Valley. One fails to understand how the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) is able to put an end to the power cuts at a time when the whole J&K parts—both rural and urban areas are witnessing erratic power supply. Though the situation doesn’t call for raising concerns over the inequality, but it is the time when the sacred annual Amarnath Yatra is going to commence after one week now and the erratic power supply may affect the better facilities to the pilgrims, who are going to visit the holy cave during the 52-day-long pilgrimage. There are people who question the inability or delay from the government side in ensuring adequate electricity to the people, despite spending huge amount for augmenting the power infrastructure across the Valley. The huge amount has been spent so far to augment the power infrastructure, but it seems of no use as the department is not able to take benefits and bring some relief in terms of electricity supply to the people even after the elapsing of winter season. The power cuts have continued to affect the normal life across Kashmir, but it’s a time to gear up and ensure adequate electricity ahead of the forthcoming Amarnath yatra so that the pilgrims will not face any hardships.