The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has vehemently expressed its discontent with the recent decision to extend the power curtailment schedule by 2.5 hours.
Aijaz Shahdhar, the President of KTA, issued a statement raising apprehensions about the adverse effects of this move by KPDCL on the daily life and business operations in Kashmir.
Shahdhar emphasized the critical need for the government to explore alternatives, suggesting the purchase of additional power from the Northern grid to meet the local demand.
Shahdhar argued, “Such measures are essential to ensure the smooth functioning of businesses and to maintain the quality of life for the residents.”
He strongly believes that extended power cuts are not the solution and that proactive steps should be taken to secure a more stable power supply for the region.
In addition to opposing the extension of power curtailment, Shahdhar urged the LG administration to consider a power amnesty for commercial consumers.
Highlighting the potential benefits of such a move, he stated, “It would be a win-win situation for both the government and consumers, as the government would generate revenue, and consumers would be relieved of pending liabilities.”
The KTA has submitted a formal memorandum to the administration, underscoring the imperative need for a power amnesty specifically tailored for commercial consumers.
Shahdhar remains optimistic, expressing hope that this appeal will be seriously considered.
Furthermore, the KTA has directly appealed to LG Sinha for immediate intervention in addressing the concerns raised by the trade community. In a press statement, the alliance remarked, “As the situation unfolds, the business community in Srinagar awaits a response from the administration to mitigate the challenges posed by the extended power curtailment schedule.”
The KTA’s firm stance reflects the urgency and gravity of the situation faced by businesses and residents alike, emphasizing the pressing need for swift and effective measures to alleviate the impact of prolonged power cuts in Kashmir.