Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Jan 19: In the wake of a prolonged winter dry spell affecting hydroelectric generation, residents from both metered and non-metered areas across the Valley are grappling with severe unscheduled power outages for the last few days, casting a dark shadow over their lives.
Complaints have surged as the electricity scenario has deteriorated over the past few days. Majority of the metered areas receive only 14 hours of electricity, falling short of the promised 20 hours in 24 hours. Non-metered areas face an even worse situation, with residents alleging an erratic power supply, leaving electric bulbs aglow for only for a few hours.
A resident from the HMT area of Srinagar expressed his frustration over increased power cuts, especially during evening when it is needed most. “We witness 2-3 hours of night cuts, 2 hours additional cuts during the day and 1-2 hours additional cuts during the evenings for the last few days despite having smart meters installed in our area,” he said.
He explained that they used to experience six hours of electricity curtailment per day, but it has risen to nearly 10 hours in recent days, leaving them with only 14 hours of electricity and 10 hours of curtailment. “It is annoying as it makes the winter nights even colder,” he added.
Valley residents are no strangers to the persistent power crisis, yet this winter has brought unprecedented challenges. The exacerbation of the situation stems from a critical shortage of water for hydroelectricity generation, a consequence of the prolonged dry winter spell.
In response to this dire circumstance, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has resorted to supplementary power cuts, extending the duration to 2-2.5 hours during peak periods. KPDCL, in a statement on its microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), explained, “This is for the information of the general public that due to a drastic reduction in power generation resulting in reduced availability of power, KPDCL shall be forced to temporarily increase the curtailment by 2 to 2.5 hours across Kashmir valley during peak hours,” it said.
Residents from the southern and northern parts of the Valley in rural areas are particularly facing the brunt of the intensified power cuts. With the harshest winter period, locally referred to as Chillai Kalan, underway and temperatures remaining several notches below the freezing point, the intensified curtailment has made lives hard for people, especially in rural areas, as they have to spend cold nights in the dark and without warmth.
“This is the first time I am unable to fully recharge my batteries and have to spend the evening in the dark. The power scenario is grim,” said Riyaz Ahmad, a local from Pampore.
He added that this has happened despite an increase in the electricity bill from Rs 700 to Rs 1350 last month. “On one side, they are increasing the electricity bill, while on the other, they are increasing the power cuts. It actually should have been the other way around,” he said.
Residents highlighted that electricity in the main towns and cities of the Valley is slightly better compared to villages on the peripheries of every district, where people complain of remaining in the dark for hours on end.
“The electricity comes for 10-15 minutes in an hour and remains absent for the rest of the time. We keep waiting for electricity for hours for the scheduled time only to witness it for five to ten minutes,” Tufail Ahmad, a resident of the Qazibad area of Handwara, said. He added that the whole upper belt, including areas like Rafiabad, Kandi, Sultanpora Kandi, Trikanjan Behrampora, and Rampora Rajpora, is affected.
In South Kashmir, the prevailing circumstances remain dire, amplifying the hardship faced by families, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. The absence of essential warmth has rendered them susceptible to the harsh conditions, leaving many in a state of discomfort. The impact on education is palpable, as students grapple with the challenges of studying in darkness, posing a significant threat to their future.
“The additional 2 hours of power cuts do not affect us, as we don’t even get those two hours of electricity in 24 hours. The electricity scenario is worrying and grim,” said Mehmooda, a housewife from the Kokernag area of South Kashmir.
Chief Engineer of the KPDCL Sandeep Seth didn’t respond to the calls for his comment on the recent power crisis in Kashmir.
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