CM Omar links uninterrupted power supply to 100% metering

Srinagar, Dec 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday linked uninterrupted power supply to complete metering in Kashmir, amid widespread unscheduled power cuts across the Valley.

“The complaints of unscheduled power cuts will continue because there is pressure on the system,” the CM told reporters here.  “The problem is that some people have a (load) agreement of four bulbs, but they use four heaters instead... Meter is the best way to address this, the more metering we have, the fewer power cuts there will be.”

He expressed optimism about achieving full metering coverage.

“I hope we take J&K to 100 percent metering so that we supply 24-hour electricity. God willing, we will achieve that very soon,” CM Omar said.

The Power Development Department (PDD) has registered significant gains in revenue collection, reaching Rs 2294 crore by October 2024.

Officials attribute this surge to smart meter installations under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP), with 6.16 lakh meters installed so far across both phases.

October alone contributed Rs 341 crore to the total collection for the financial year 2024-25.

Addressing winter preparedness amid harsh weather conditions, CM Omar acknowledged the challenges.

“As far as winter preparedness is concerned, there is an intense cold, and there has been a dry spell. I pray to God for snowfall so that this dry spell ends,” he said.

The CM outlined his administration’s priorities saying: “Our endeavour is to minimise the power cuts, and ensure water supply even as pipes freeze due to the low temperature. Despite difficulties, our endeavour is that the government functions smoothly.”

On governance issues, he said there are limitations to the Union Territory status.

“There are several issues which cannot be resolved rapidly, there are issues which cannot be dealt with under the UT and for those we have to get our State back,” CM Omar said. “But, attempts are being made to at least listen to their problems and assure them that it is their own elected government and there is no issue which we will not listen to.”

Regarding tourism prospects, he stressed efforts to establish J&K as a year-round destination.

“We are hopeful that people will come and for that, we need snowfall in places like Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. When there is snowfall, more tourists will come,” he said.

Following his surprise hospital visits a day earlier, the CM reported mixed findings.

“The situation in the hospitals is better, but there are complaints from the patients that everything is fine during the day but no one is to be seen during the night,” he said.

“I made a surprise visit during the day, someday, I will make a surprise visit during the night,” CM Omar said.