Srinagar- As winter unfolds its chilly vibe in the Kashmir Valley, a distinct shift in trends is taking place with the use of modern heating gadgets becoming increasingly common.
Despite, power crisis looming large, a notable transformation is being witnessed in the realm of winter essentials.
“The age-old tradition of embracing warmth through traditional Kashmiri Hammams is gradually making way for the contemporary allure of Electric Hammams or underfloor heating” said Meekail Ahmad, a leading importer of electric Hammam and Turkish fireplaces in India.
Meekail believes that traditional ways of warming ourselves are fading and amidst the technological advancements and the market dynamics have also changed.
“It was not the case a decade back. In 2023, we are witnessing a rising demand for electric alternatives, sidelining the traditional Kangri, a once quintessential firepot, to the background of winter rituals.” Meekail said.
Amid the prevailing power crisis in the Valley, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha met Union Power Minister R K Singh in New Delhi on Thursday and requested him to allocate additional electricity to Jammu and Kashmir to meet the rising power supply demand in winter.
The LG also informed the Minister that the current demand of electricity has touched around 2800 MW with a deficit of approximately 1400 MW in the current winter season.
Assuring full support to the LG, the Power Minister said that 1500 MWs have already been allocated to J&K while additional 472 MWs of electricity under Shakti policy will be given to J&K after signing of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) by the end of this month.
Meekail says since J&K procured additional electricity, his company Magnate Group is witnessing a surge in calls with more and more customers enquiring about the underfloor heating systems.
“Since the news of more power purchase by the government became public, more and more people are calling us to enquire about the product. Our work would usually be less by this time of the year. However, we are seeing an increase in the inquiries and sales.” Meekail said, adding that this innovative adaptation reflects a growing awareness of wellness and a desire for modern amenities.
“The electric hammam industry in Kashmir is witnessing a boom, with manufacturers and suppliers working tirelessly to meet the rising demand. The surge in installations not only underscores a cultural shift but also positions Kashmir as a trendsetter in redefining contemporary home spaces,” he said.
“In the fast-paced world of today, working individuals are choosing convenience with a remote thermostat for their electric hammams. With just a tap from your workplace, the hammam activates, ensuring a warm welcome upon your arrival at your home,” he added.
Talking about the cost of underfloor heating, Meekail said the price ranges from brand to brand with the world’s top notch brand priced at Rs 300 per sq ft to Rs 350 sq ft.
“The cost of Warmup underfloor heating for a 100 sq ft room ranges from Rs 30,000 to 32,000, which elevates the luxury of radiant warmth, where coziness meets cost-effectiveness.” Meekail said.
However, he said the price of local brands including that of South Korea was around Rs 270 per sq ft, and the one from Turkey around Rs 220, per sq ft.
Meekail quickly added that he doesn’t recommend brands from India and China, since their reliability has not been proven.
“The local brand has a high electromagnetic field, however, in high quality brands the electromagnetic field is very less,” he said, adding that the shift in consumer behavior is evident as Kashmiris increasingly opt to incorporate these electric hammams into their washrooms.
“The trend of using the underfloor heating in washrooms has picked up in the last few years, following the footsteps of European countries where it is mostly used .It is used in the walking area except the space beneath the toilet and the wash basin,” he said.
“With people prioritizing comfort over everything, why would someone shiver in a washroom, when he or she can go for installation of underfloor heating,” he added.
Giving details of the installation process, Meekail said the heating system rises 2 to 2.5 inches above the floor.
“Where elevation isn’t an option, we seamlessly dig and fill with concrete. In just around five hours, we transform your space into a haven of comfort” Meekail said, adding “In Kashmir, our underfloor heating installation takes a unique approach compared to Europe. Responding to electricity challenges, we revamped our method.
“We sandwich the heating mat between layers of concrete – first insulation, then concrete, heating mat, and another layer of concrete. This distinctive approach ensures that our underfloor heating system in Kashmir excels in retaining heat, overcoming the limitations of standard electronic heating systems.”
Pertinently, the traditional Hammam of 10’x10’ comes at a cost ranging from Rs 50,000 to 70,000. However, breaking barriers in affordability, the underfloor heating system offers a revolutionary alternative, being 60 to 70 percent more budget-friendly than the conventional hammam.
Meekail says at first people were reluctant and were very apprehensive about it but with time and with word of mouth their sales have increased manifold.
“We ventured into the business of underfloor heating in 2008. Back then, we had very few takers, but with time people are embracing new technology,” he said.
He also maintained that the ongoing electricity crisis was hitting his business.
“The underfloor heating system retains heat for a few hours even with the erratic power supply,” Meekail said.
However, Meekail had a word of precaution for people going for installation of underfloor heating and fireplaces.
“A lot is being sold in the name of Turkish Bukharis in the market. People need to stay vigilant. They need to buy only DEFRA approved fireplaces and also need to ensure that the underfloor heating is also certified,” he said
Pertinently, the surge in the sales of electric appliances is being witnessed despite the widespread installation of smart meters by authorities.
Noted Pulmonologist, Dr Naveed Nazir said that the underfloor heating system has no generation of gases, is completely insulated which makes it safe.
“I have been using the electric hammam for quite some time now. In terms of providing comfort, it is as good as a traditional one. There is no production of smoke and it is properly insulated. It is a good alternative and a safe one” Dr Naveed said.
A significant number of individuals continue to choose underfloor heating emphasizing the indispensable nature of heating rather than a mere luxury.
Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Rainwari said that he installed the underfloor heating some ten years back, a decision he does not regret.
“I have had a very good experience with it and it retains the heat for a few hours,” Ahmad said, adding “I don’t bother to pay an extra Rs 2000 as electricity fee, as the comfort it provides is a lot more than that.
The winter of 2023 unveils a nuanced interplay between tradition and modernity, as Kashmiri denizens navigate the evolving landscape of seasonal preferences.
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