Winter’s icy grip has tightened across Kashmir, with night temperatures dropping to staggering lows. Srinagar, the summer capital, shivered at minus 5.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, marking the coldest night of the season so far. However, amidst this bone-chilling cold, a different kind of chill persists—an intermittent power supply that’s causing significant inconvenience to the residents.
While the mercury continues its downward descent, the power situation seems to be following a similar trend. The recent signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for an additional 2500 MW by the Jammu and Kashmir government appears to be a step in the right direction. Yet, the ground reality paints a different picture, with unscheduled power cuts persisting and causing distress among people.
The move to augment power availability by doubling the existing capacity is promising. However, it’s imperative to address the gap between intent and execution. The meeting chaired by Union Minister R K Singh and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is certainly a part of the proactive measures taken by J&K to improve power availability in the short and medium terms.
However, the disconnect between promise and implementation is evident in the accounts of residents facing ongoing power disruptions despite the installation of smart meters. The power generation statistics from Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) indicate a concerning trend—a decline in power generation over recent years. This downward trajectory in power production raises questions about the efficacy of the strategies employed thus far.
The situation demands immediate attention. The pressing need to bridge the gap between signed agreements and tangible results cannot be overstated. It’s heartening to see efforts directed toward revamping the power sector, especially in rural areas where obsolete infrastructure compounds the problem. However, these efforts must translate into palpable improvements on the ground. The assurance of sufficient funding for system revamping by the Union Minister Singh is a positive step forward. Yet, it’s critical to expedite these initiatives to alleviate the plight of residents facing recurrent power disruptions. The people of Srinagar and beyond look not only to signed agreements but also to the seamless, uninterrupted flow of electricity to restore normalcy to their lives.
The power crisis in the Kashmir Valley is a grim reminder of the challenges faced by the region’s residents during the winter season. As temperatures drop and the demand for electricity soars, the government and the power department must collaborate to find sustainable solutions to this lingering issue.
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