Kashmir’s power heroes conquer snow, hearts

Srinagar, Dec 28: Heavy overnight snowfall on Saturday brought life to a standstill across Kashmir, leaving 80 percent of Kashmir without electricity. Yet, for the employees of the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL), the snowfall marked the beginning of an arduous mission to restore power to the Valley.

From early morning, KPDCL teams were on the ground, braving freezing temperatures and treacherous conditions to repair damaged lines and restore power supply.

By evening, 90 percent of the disrupted supply had been restored, despite widespread damage to infrastructure, including 41 feeders at the 33-KV level and 739 feeders at the 11-KV level.

Providing an update on microblogging site X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the efforts of KPDCL employees saying: “Out of forty-one 33-KV feeders dysfunctional in Kashmir due to heavy snowfall, thirty-seven have been restored and charged. Similarly, out of 739 dysfunctional 11-KV feeders, 639 have been restored and recharged, bringing major relief to the Valley. The majority of the rest are expected to be restored by the evening.”

The swift restoration efforts highlighted the dedication of KPDCL employees, from senior engineers to linemen.

Bashir Ahmad, a casual labourer, left his home at 6 am to begin restoration work in his division.

“I walked nearly two hours on foot to reach the spot where the damage was to be rectified,” he said.

Farooq Ahmad, a lineman, described the hazardous work conditions saying: “From climbing atop power towers to handling 11-KV lines, we do all these tasks while most people remain indoors. It is our job and we perform it with sincerity.”

The dedication of these “power warriors” has been widely appreciated, with videos circulating on social media showing employees repairing poles and wires in harsh conditions.

Despite their tireless efforts, many employees feel their contributions go unrecognised.

“From Chief Engineers to linemen, everyone is on the ground during a crisis. Unfortunately, very few acknowledge our work,” a senior KPDCL official said.

Jammu and Kashmir Electrical Engineering Graduates Association (JKEEGA) President, Pir Hidayatullah commended the collective efforts of the department saying, “It is our duty, and we are fulfilling it with utmost sincerity. Our coordinated efforts have ensured the restoration of power supply, bringing significant relief to the people.”