Srinagar: The power crisis in Kashmir is becoming worse with consumers facing long power cuts during the day with authorities claiming that they are trying to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Consumers say that the power scenario has worsened across the valley as just 4-5 hours of electricity is being supplied to them on a daily basis at a time when smart meters have been installed in almost half of Srinagar city with a promise of 24×7 power supply.
The irked consumers said that in both metered and non-metered areas, the erratic power supply over the past two weeks have caused immense hardships to them.
“We were expecting an improvement in the power scenario after the installation of smart meters and also the augmentation of power infrastructure in the past four years, but all in vain as the situation has worsened ahead of the winters in Kashmir,” the consumers said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Engineer, of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Javed Yousuf Dar said that the government is finding ways to resolve the issue of power paucity in J&K.
“Talks are going on with NTPC and others to get extra electricity for the people in J&K. We are expecting additional electricity in the coming days, which would help in resolving the present electricity situation,” he said.
Asked about the reasons for the present electricity situation, the Chief Engineer said that low precipitation in the previous few months has led to the reduction in discharge of water in the water-bodies here, which has hit the power generation at major powerhouses as well.
“We are at it and expect the issue to be resolved within a few days,” he said. (With inputs from KNO)
