Dangling electricity wires, decaying poles threaten lives of Kupwara village residents

Kupwara, Mar 17: The residents of Check Sanzipora in the Mawer area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district Thursday expressed resentment against the concerned authorities for failing to upgrade transmission infrastructure in their village as a result of which they are facing severe hardships.

The residents said that they were living under a constant threat due to low-lying transmission lines, which were tied to rooftops of residential houses and trees at several places in the area.

“Most of the poles installed in the area have got damaged decades ago and the Power Development Department (PDD) instead of installing new poles are taking the locals for a ride by leaving the wires and poles as such, which only goes on to show their callous attitude towards our genuine concerns,” said Ajaz Ahmad, a local.

“The threat gets manifold once it rains as branches fall on electric wires. This gives rise to a dangerous situation. 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 the reach of a hand.”

The residents said that the continuous deterioration in the transmission infrastructure had led to an acute shortage of power supply in the area, jeopardising the local populace.

“Despite paying Rs 520 as electricity bill every month, we are not getting substantial electricity. Since we belong to far-off places that is why injustice is being extended to us,” they said.

The residents alleged that even after approaching the concerned authorities on multiple occasions they are yet to see any action being taken on the ground.

The residents have sought immediate intervention from Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan and the Power Development Department (PDD) to resolve the issue on a fast-track basis to avoid any tragedy in the area.

Meanwhile, District Development Council (DDC) Mawer member, Khursheed Dar said that efforts were on to upgrade the entire transmission infrastructure in Check Sanzipora village.