Power as problem

Now we are into winters proper. The outages are also in. The same old pattern of less supply and more demand is into play. As if time is still and decades later we are in the same frame hanging on some antiquated wall. When everything around us has changed the power shortage during winters looks like a carry-forward from past.

How unfortunate that in the times when the speed of development is so fast, our power generation hasn't improved to fulfil our needs. How many times we have to raise the question, why so? How many times we have to carry detailed stories explaining the  power scenario in Kashmir? How many statements from politicians? How many explanations from the officials? And how much suffering in the end faced by the people? One can accuse people of not being conscious and sensible in terms of the usage of electricity.

One can even talk about the problem of pilferage. One can attribute the power shortage to hundred different factors. But the problem stays. The point is not to manage this factor of shortage every year, but to look for ways to solve the problem altogether. After all winters is not something that only Kashmir knows. Much of the developed world faces harsh winters. But life remains as normal as otherwise.

We have in those fortunate geographies houses warm, offices air conditioned, and light everywhere makes it sure that life remains as bright as it can be. But here in Kashmir we have heating gadgets but no electricity. We have lighting arrangement in place but not the current. As a change in seasons, winters actually can bring lots of joy if only we have uninterrupted electricity. With the alternatives like solar energy, may be some improvement can be made.

But J&K would require a well thought out and very well laid out power generation plan that takes into account the real needs of its people, particularly in the seasons when more electricity in needed. Till then, as an interim relief, ensure that scheduled cuts are followed; at least.