Power crisis in Kashmir

Kashmir is in the grip of power crisis again. Reports say that the present crisis is mainly because of the decreased power purchase from outside. Reports quoting officials said that the power purchase has dipped due to the high costs being charged by power generation companies (Gencos). Even the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has confirmed the limited power availability at present.

It has posted on its official X handle that due to limited power availability and resulting restrictions, there has been an unavoidable increase in power curtailment. It has assured the consumers that the restrictions will be eased once power availability improves. Because of the huge gap between demand and supply, the unscheduled power cuts are also being witnessed across the Valley besides the scheduled power curtailment. KPDCL had issued a load shedding programme in the beginning of the winter. In the start of this season, serious power crisis had occurred. But there was some kind of stability with the purchasing of more power. Despite the purchase of the power, curtailment schedule remained in force and continues today also. But now due to the unscheduled power cuts the power crisis are very much visible.

The unscheduled power cuts are not only occurring in rural areas but in urban areas also, including the capital city of Srinagar. There is a strong demand from the consumers that the concerned authorities must do something immediately to end the crisis. There is demand from the consumers including business community that more power should be purchased till the local power generation improves. The generation from the hydroelectric power projects had decreased drastically due to the prolonged dry spell during winter.

Since the dry spell ended later with snowfalls occurring across Kashmir, it is being expected that the generation will also go up again. Till then alternative arrangements must be made to solve the emerging problem. Every year, the concerned authorities must plan in advance regarding purchasing power from outside so that it is not bought on high costs. There is also a need to become self-reliant in power sector by setting up new power projects and tapping the huge potential for power generation.