As the winters begin in Kashmir, a long painful story seems to repeat itself once again. There exists no respite for the local populace from the erratic power supply which has haunted the valley households for long now.
Even in the coldest regions of Earth like Siberia, people have an ample and uninterrupted power supply during harsh winters. The weather in Kashmir is much moderate in comparison to such regions but mediocrity has been a hallmark here.
Besides, Kashmir valley is endowed with enough water resources that can produce thousands of megawatts of electricity that can fully cater the existing dearth and even ease the power shutdown in winters.
Furthermore, the government has already spent much funds on the upgradation of electricity supply lines in shape of erecting steel tubular poles, transformers and fresh electric strings.
The PMDP package and DDUGJY Scheme has been a hallmark of change but the implementation is lacking certain key factors that is not helping to come up with the desired results.
Most of the companies have sublet these tenders and the works done by contractors at most of places is below average. The steel poles at many places have tilted which now poses another threat of short circuits at many places. The government agency need to revitalize its inspection teams while delivering clearance certificates to these companies.
With all these problems before us, there still exists hope that situation can change. Many new hydel projects are under construction while upgradation of supply lines is also going on. But until mediocre ways are shunned the situation will continue to remain the same. Innovative measures are must to change this bleak condition and illuminate the homes even during chilling winter.
