Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani Sogami on Saturday expressed concern over the deepening woes of people across Kashmir due to massive power outages.
Nasir said that one of the worst power crises in Kashmir has left the residents upset with power outages of 8-10 hours per day across Kashmir. “The situation runs contrary to the claims made by the incumbent administration about the availability of 24×7 power supply in metered areas. The Government takes crores of rupees in terms of tariff from the consumers but when it comes to providing round-the-clock power supply, it is abdicating responsibilities leaving the consumers high and dry,” he said.
“Come winters and the valley is beset with darkness, the scenario has worsened this year drastically. The power supply is playing hide and seek with the government, in particular, the civil administration has left people to fend for themselves. The hapless consumers don’t know how to brave the ongoing chill with no adequate power supply. Amidst all the student community has incurred the major hit on account of the approaching exams,” he said.
Nasir further said the load-shedding schedule has gone for a toss, and most areas are facing day-long outages. “This has never been the scenario with the power distribution in Kashmir. Unfortunately, the decreasing governance in Kashmir has coincided with the abrogation of the state’s unique status. Kashmir power shortages stem from a host of factors ranging from inadequate infrastructure, transmission loss, and increasing usage of the ever-growing population, unfortunately, the government has left the entire issue unattended. Nothing substantial has been done to augment the infrastructure since 2014. What added to the worries of people is the failure of the government to fill the power deficit by channelizing other resources like gas turbines and coal power plants,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nasir visited the residence of Peer Abdul Rashid in Awoora Kupwara who passed away the other day. On the occasion, he offered condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul.
