Expressing serious concern over the precarious power situation in Kashmir, CPI (M) leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami has said it seems the administration has virtually decided to keep the people of Jammu and Kashmir into perpetual darkness. In a statement to CNS, the CPI (M) leader remarked that the people in cities and towns are provided with low voltage and erratic power supplies, the people living in rural and far flung areas are without electricity that too at a time when the power supplies are needed more to cope-up with the chilly winter. Stating that there is nothing tangible in the much hyped economic package announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for augmenting power infrastructure in Kashmir valley, Tarigami said while some amount from the package to be used for solar energy plant to generate electricity in Leh and Ladakh is welcome but it was disheartening that no component has been earmarked for streamlining power supply in Kashmir.Similarly, he said, that it was also regrettable that nothing is being done to clear the long pending liabilities of small scale units dealing with manufacturing of electricity transformers and the spare parts used by the Power Development Department.
While referring to the erratic power supply position in the Valley, the CPI (M) leader said it is unfortunate that the same situation is being repeated during every winter soon after the offices move to Jammu and the people of the Valley are left helpless being devoid of basic amenities, especially the power and essential commodities.As the whole valley is face to face with a grim electricity scenario, south Kashmir particularly district Kulgam seems to be at the receiving end of this power crisis. There is almost no electricity in Kulgam town and its rural areas. Some rural areas of this district receiving erratic power supply are for the most of the time facing numerous problems on account of low voltage and the people are compelled to arrange alternative sources of illumination during the hours, they receive electricity,” Tarigami remarked.
He said that no power schedule is being followed on ground and even metered areas are facing long and unscheduled power cuts much to the annoyance of public. “The transmission and distribution system has also deteriorated thereby depriving the consumers of vital electricity facility. The dilapidated LT network especially in rural areas is posing a grave threat to the life and property of the common man, he stressed,” Tarigami said, while urging the government to arrange alternate sources of energy to provide regular power supply to the people across the state.He said the administration needs to ensure a better coordination between different departments especially those providing essential services. (CNS)