‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harshest winter period in Kashmir, is almost a month away. It’s followed by a 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day long ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold). It does not however mean that winter is yet to start. Given the present weather condition, it rather signifies that harsh winter is all but going to be harsher. The harshness invariably gets stronger in absence of electricity.
Amid this, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department (PDD), on November 20, reviewed the power supply position in J&K, particularly in Kashmir valley.
As per the official statement, the Principal Secretary asked the engineers to strictly follow the curtailed schedule, emphasizing that no unscheduled power cuts shall be tolerated.
He also stressed that under no circumstances should J&K engage in overdrawal of power, which is important not only to stay within the budget but also to uphold grid discipline and prevent unwarranted disruptions in power supply, as per the statement.
In line with the commitment to reduce the losses, Principal Secretary issued explicit instructions to the engineers to put an all out effort to eradicate the menace of power pilferage by adopting stringent enforcement measures.
The Principal Secretary also “reaffirmed” the government’s “unwavering commitment towards stability and growth of the power sector” in Jammu and Kashmir. The anticipated implementation of these directives is poised not only to improve the reliability of power supply but also to fortify the financial health of the power sector, ensuring a resilient and responsive energy infrastructure for the people of the region.
It is important to note that routines of life are determined by the supply of electricity. Almost all aspects of life are reliant on power. The administration must bear that this is the season for examination, and students have to put in extra effort in their studies which is inevitably dependent on light. Without electricity, everything turns upside down.
The water level in the rivers recedes the generation of power substantially and as a consequence, there is less electricity to be distributed. The reasons for the shortfall are well known. The problem has been discussed over and over again. Sorry to say, the solution eludes, the reasons are well known also. Given the importance, the frequent and unscheduled power should not be resorted to. The administration should ensure the primary supply and that too without pesky cuts. In this regard the statement of the Principal Secretary is reassuring and it is hoped that the concerned will stick to the directives.
