Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 24: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) today stated that the power situation in Kashmir has worsened despite assurances from the authorities.
In a statement issued here, President of KCCI, Javid Ahmad Tenga, expressed concerns about the deepening power crisis currently afflicting the Valley, stating that despite assurances from authorities, “the situation has not only failed to improve but has taken a turn for the worse.”
“It is a matter of great concern and astonishment at the authorities’ apparent failure to grasp the severity of the situation. The decision to procure insufficient power, as revealed by recent events, has plunged Kashmir into an unprecedented crisis,” he said.
Tenga mentioned that despite assurances, the Valley continues to grapple with power shortages, revealing a gap of over 800 MW in electricity supply, resulting in extended power cuts that severely impact the daily lives of the people.
The KCCI stated that the non-signing of power purchase agreements is a critical factor contributing to the current predicament, leading to substantial losses for industry, tourism, handicrafts, and others. The trade body noted that with 13 projects managed by JKPDC, there is a cumulative capacity of 1197.4 MW for electricity production.
“Baghilar-1 and Baghilar-2, situated on the Chenab Basin, boast a combined capacity of 900 MW. LJHP and USHP-11 Kangan, each with a capacity of 105 MW, are located in the Jhelum Basin. The remaining nine projects have capacities below 30 MW.”
Additionally, KCCI said the six central sector projects, managed by NHPC, contribute a total of 2250 MW to the region.
“However, the actual power received falls drastically short, hovering around 500 MW and occasionally dropping below 350 MW. This discrepancy exacerbates the challenges faced by residents and businesses in the region.”
The KCCI called upon the authorities to collaborate swiftly and address the power crisis while adding that the concern shown by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha about the power outages will have a desired effect on the bosses controlling KPDCL.
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