AS the water level reduces drastically in run-of-the -river hydroelectric power projects in Jammu and Kashmir, erratic electric supply across the UT is adding to the inconvenience of the consumers.
Undeclared power cuts and frequent tripping is being witnessed both in rural and urban areas of the Union Territory (UT). The situation is equally bad in the areas where the administration had said that the electric supply would improve and consumers will get 24×7 power after installation of smart meters.
The electronic meters have been replaced with smart meters at many places but the power supply remains erratic.
While on one side the installation of smart meters continues in certain urban localities, the unusual power-cuts cause great inconvenience to the consumers. Before the onset of winters, the power had not been so frequent. The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) is likely to announce winter curtailment schedule by October 14. Usually the power curtailment schedule has been enforced by mid-November.
The erratic power supply before the onset of winters has resulted in inconvenience to both domestic as well as the commercial consumers.
Reportedly the power department is mulling to procure electricity from outside Jammu & Kashmir to meet the demand. However, there are apprehensions that power woes may increase in the coming days owing to the fact the rivers and nallahs across Jammu and Kashmir have almost dried up and the government is not financially in a position to procure electricity. As on date, many departments are facing crisis in terms of providing salaries to their employees. Employees of various departments have taken to the roads to press for the release of their salaries pending for the last couple of months. The situation is worsening and it remains to be seen how the LG administration resolves the crisis.
