Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Nov 13: Five years have passed, and the power receiving station in Inderkoot Sonawari of area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora District remains non-functional, leaving locals Irritated.
Initially sanctioned in 2018, the station’s delayed functionality affects numerous villages in Sumbal Sonawari. “Presently, residents endure unscheduled power cuts due to the extended distance from alternative receiving stations,” the locals said.
They further said that the government should expedite the process of making it functional to provide immediate relief to the people from unscheduled power cuts. “Also, it would extend electricity supply to more areas in this region, offering significant relief to the residents,” they added.
Expressing their concerns, locals said that despite the station’s completion several years ago, it remains non-operational. “The completed station stands idle while we continue to face electricity woes. It’s frustrating,” Ajaz Ahmad, a local, said.
Ishfaq Ahmad, another local, said that the worsening power situation is a troubling sign for the upcoming winter. He further said that the administration needs to prioritize our needs and make this station functional without further delay.
“We have brought up this issue with officials multiple times, but so far, the administration has not taken any action. Making it functional would significantly alleviate the electricity-related challenges in this area,” Mohammad Afzal an elderly local, said.
An official from the Power Development Department (PDD) acknowledged that the construction wing is causing a setback in the handover process to the department. “Despite being almost ready for functionality, the station awaits the completion of handover takeover formalities, leaving locals grappling with ongoing power issues,” he added.
