Power crisis crippling Kashmir's economy: KCCI seeks LG's intervention

Srinagar, Apr 25:  The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) has expressed grave concern and disappointment over the contradictory policies of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) in ensuring regular power supply to consumers.

The apex business chamber in a statement stated that KPDCL had committed to providing uninterrupted and flawless electric supply to consumers while starting the process of installing smart meters in the valley areas. However, the situation on the ground has proven to be contrary to the assurances given by the department, leading to widespread outrage among the business community and the general public.

"Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) has been keenly observing and assessing the critically erratic electric power supply in large areas of the valley for quite some time. This irregular supply is adversely affecting trade, business, industry, and households in general. The Chamber expresses grave concern and disappointment over the contradictory policies of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) in ensuring regular power supply to consumers."

It said that KPDCL while starting the process of installing smart meters in the valley areas, had committed to uninterrupted and flawless electric supply to consumers. However, the ground reality has proven the contrary. "The power situation has only worsened, with consumers not even spared during the month of Ramadan, resulting in tremendous hardship."

KCCI expresses shock over reports received from many areas experiencing 12 or more hours of shutdown. "The KPDCL has no explanation whatsoever. The continued shutdown, even with the onset of summer when rivers are overflowing with water, is not only astonishing but baffling too. The people are hugely suffering."

The tourism sector is the worst hit, with long hours of power shutdown. Tourists too are facing the brunt of poor power supply. The Government has been tirelessly making tourism promotional campaigns across the country and abroad, but the same are nullified due to the thoughtless planning and incompetent performance of KPDCL. The travel trade has been receiving a large number of cancellations on account of the power situation.

"The news of the erratic power situation prevailing in the valley has travelled to other parts of the country like wildfire, resulting in cancellations of Kashmir trips, hotel, and other bookings, subjecting stakeholders to considerable loss. It appears the Department is continuously failing to meet the aspirations of consumers and is unable to explain the reasons for its failure."

The KCC&I would seek the Lt. Governor's intervention in appointing a fact-finding Committee to pinpoint the faulty links that lead to the miseries of consumers, particularly senior citizens, the sick, students, health, education, industries, the tourism sector, and industry.