Jahangir Lolabi
Srinagar, Jan 11: Local residents in Krusan Lolab in north-Kashmir’s Kupwara district are up in arms against authorities concerned for the latter’s alleged sloppy approach to erect electricity transmission poles across the areas even as decrying acute power shortage caused due to deterioration of transmission infrastructure.
A local delegation from Krusan village falling under Warnow Lolab told GNS that they are living under constant threat due to low-lying transmission lines, which according to them, are tied to rooftops of residential houses and trees at several places in the area.
“Most of poles installed in the area have got damaged decades ago”, they said adding “The Power Development Department (PDD) instead of installing new poles are taking the locals on a ride by leaving the wires and poles as such, which only goes on to show their callous attitude towards our genuine concerns”.
“The threat grows manifold once it rains as branches fall on electric wires. This gives rise to a dangerous situation as we are worried about our children who are unaware of the precautions to be taken during such precarious times. At many places, wires are even seen hanging within reach of a hand”, they said.
“The continuous deterioration in the transmission infrastructure has led to acute shortage of power supply in the area, jeopardizing the local populace”, they said.
The delegation members went on to allege the authorities of sloppy attitude, maintaining that “Even after approaching the concerned authorities on multiple occasions we are yet to see any action being taken on ground.”
“The department concerned claims to have spend crores for repairs, maintenance and augmentation purposes however in reality it all is on papers as the ground situation is grim”, they said adding that “the conditions of high and low voltage transmission lines alike is going from bad to worse with each passing day.”
The residents have sought immediate intervention of Deputy Commissioner Anshul Gargh and Power Development Department (PDD) to resolve the issue on a fast-track basis as to ‘avoid any tragedy’. (GNS)