Danishwar Hameed/ Meer Irfan
As the chill intensifies in Kashmir with temperatures plunging below freezing, the valley continues to grapple with power shortages, although recent steps have been taken to address the issue.
Despite frequent and unscheduled power cuts, which have frustrated residents in both urban and rural areas, the Power Development Department (PDD) has made efforts to improve the situation this winter. According to official reports, the power supply to the valley has increased by 100 MW compared to the same period last year.
Between November 16 and November 30, the average power supply stood at 1489 MW, a 101 MW increase from 1388 MW last year. From December 1 to December 4, the supply rose to 1525 MW, marking a 60 MW increase from 1465 MW last year. Between December 4 and December 8, the Valley received 1595 MW, a 145 MW rise from 1450 MW supplied during the same period in 2023.
This increase follows a directive by the Ministry of Power, which allocated an additional 300 MW to Jammu and Kashmir on November 7 to meet winter energy demands. On December 4, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reviewed the power supply situation, directing the PDD to ensure fewer power cuts and stricter adherence to the publicized curtailment schedule.
However, despite these improvements, many residents report limited relief from ongoing outages, especially in areas like Srinagar’s Downtown and rural towns. “We were told smart meters would ensure uninterrupted power, but winters still come with darkness,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident of Anantnag.
The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (KPDCL) continues to face criticism for its refusal to raise the winter power quota from 1400 MW to 1600-1700 MW, as was implemented in previous years.
Despite collecting ₹650 crore in revenue in the first seven months of this financial year, a significant increase from ₹460 crore collected last year, the power situation remains unresolved.
“Power schedules change without notice, and officials are only visible when collecting bills,” said Sameer, a local. Some have questioned the disparity between electricity supplies to Jammu and Kashmir, with many alleging that Jammu enjoys uninterrupted power during the winter despite Kashmir’s harsher conditions.
Residents across the valley continue to demand accountability and tangible solutions. “What’s the point of higher bills and advanced meters if they don’t improve our lives?” said Ghulam Nabi from Kulgam.
Parveena, a homemaker from Budgam, echoed the sentiment, stressing the government’s need to deliver on its promises and ensure no one is left in darkness this winter.
While the recent increase in power supply shows a step in the right direction, the administration faces mounting pressure to fully address the power crisis, especially as freezing temperatures persist across the region.