Tangmarg: Residents of several villages in north Kashmir’s Tangmarg are facing frequent power cuts during the holy month of Ramadan.
The consumers despite belonging to metered areas in sub-division Tangmarg alleged that the power cuts have grown severe for the past one week, giving tough time to people, especially during Sehri and Iftar.
The worst-hit areas are Chandal, Wanigam, Darhama, Nimbalnar, Hajibal, Gowhera, Warpora, Khaipora, Darhama, Panditpora, Check Ferozpora and other adjoining villages.
“We hardly get five to six hours of power supply during the day and that too remains erratic,” said a local Abdul Rashid from Chandal, “The situation has in fact worsened for the past few days and people are forced to have Sheri (pre-dawn meals) in darkness and break their fast in darkness.”
Another resident of Teran Tangmarg said, “It is appalling that instead of ensuring regular power supply during this holy month, the Power Development Department (PDD) is resorting to forced cuts in both metered and non-metered areas.”
Meanwhile, two power transformers in Hayatpura Tangmarg and Reram Kuner have developed snag due to which the villages are plunged into darkness.
A local social activist Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din alleged that the power department playing dilly and dally tactics in repairing the power transformers and people are facing a tough time. The people of Hayatpura and Reram have appealed to the LG administration to intervene.
The residents threatened not to pay their bills if power supply continues to remain erratic. “We are paying large amounts to PDD and on time but in return, we are not getting as much of power supply as we are paying. So we have decided not to pay our bills,” said residents of dozens of villages.
