The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Nov 3: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) has raised serious concerns over the severe and erratic power supply plaguing the Kashmir Valley for several months.
The inconsistent power supply has taken a toll on industries, businesses, households, and tourism, prompting the Chamber to express deep disappointment with the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL).
In a strongly-worded statement, the KCC&I criticized the KPDCL’s unreliable and contradictory policies for maintaining regular power supply. The KPDCL had promised uninterrupted and flawless electricity to consumers when introducing smart meters, but this commitment has not been upheld in practice, as power supply disruptions have been frequent throughout the year.
Moreover, the KPDCL’s attempt to create a schedule for electric supply has also fallen short, with the department failing to adhere to its own announced schedule. This has exacerbated the challenges faced by consumers, including industries, the tourism sector, industrial estates, CA stores, shopkeepers, traders, senior citizens, students, and healthcare and education providers.
According to chamber spokesperson, KPDCL’s announcement of procuring power from Uttar Pradesh and negotiating for more from the central grid offered a glimmer of hope, but no significant progress has been made since. The Department’s decision to implement power curtailment before the onset of winter, when power demand is traditionally lower, has left the people of Kashmir in a precarious situation.
The KCC&I called upon Lt. Governor Saheb to personally intervene and direct officials to ensure a stable power supply to consumers, particularly as the harsh winter months approach. They emphasized that the power crisis is affecting not only residents but also the vital tourism sector, which contributes significantly to the region’s economy.
The KCC&I highlighted that the government invests heavily in tourism promotion, attracting a large number of tourists to the region. However, the ongoing power crisis is not only impacting tourists’ experiences but also tarnishing the region’s reputation, leading to negative publicity.
In conclusion, the KCC&I urged the KPDCL to take immediate responsibility and address the pressing power issues faced by the beleaguered population. They hope for swift action to provide consistent power supply, particularly during the challenging cold winter months, to alleviate the suffering of businesses and the community.
