Aijaz Shahdhar, President of the Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA), expressed his deep frustration over the ongoing power crisis, underscoring that the promises of procuring additional power have yet to yield any tangible improvements on the ground.
He emphasised, "The situation is dire. Jammu and Kashmir faces an Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) loss of 55 percent, which is a glaring infrastructure deficit. It's unjust to shift the blame onto consumers when the existing energy infrastructure falls short."
"High expectations were placed on the introduction of smart meters in the region, with assurances that they would usher in round-the-clock power supply. However, the ground reality paints a starkly contrasting picture, as residents are confronted with 8-hour-long power cuts that disrupt daily life and hinder the progress of businesses."
"The power cuts have not only hindered daily operations but have led to agonizing hardships for the common people who rely on electricity for various aspects of their lives. The persistent energy crisis is raising questions about the government's commitment to addressing the pressing issue of electricity supply."
Aijaz Shahdhar urged the authorities to take immediate and effective steps to rectify the power situation, addressing the growing frustrations of the business community and the common residents.
The plight of those affected by the ongoing power crisis in Kashmir remains a significant concern, emphasizing the urgency of finding solutions to ensure uninterrupted and reliable electricity supply throughout the region, he said.(KNS)