Srinagar November 24 (KNS): President Javid Ahmad tenga The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), expresses profound concerns about the deepening power crisis currently afflicting the Kashmir Valley.
It is astonishing that despite assurances from authorities, the situation has not only failed to improve but has taken a turn for the worse, casting the region into prolonged darkness.
It is a matter of of great concern and astonishment at the authorities' apparent failure to grasp the severity of the situation. The decision to procure insufficient power, as revealed by recent events, has plunged Kashmir into an unprecedented crisis. Despite assurances, the Valley continues to grapple with power shortages, revealing a gap of over 800 MW in electricity supply, resulting in extended power cuts that severely impact the daily lives of the people.
The reports indicate that the power supply levels are alarmingly below the demand recorded in 2004. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for immediate action to avert a deepening crisis.The non-signing of power purchase agreements as a critical factor contributing to the current predicament, leading to substantial losses for Industry, tourism, handicrafts, trade, retail, horticulture , health services, education besides causing untold hardships to sick & ailing, children & elderly , households etc
The KCCI delving into the specifics of the power infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir with insights into the 13 projects managed by JKPDC, with a cumulative capacity of 1197.4 MW for electricity production; Notably, Baghilar-1 and Baghilar-2, situated on the Chenab Basin, boast a combined capacity of 900 MW. LJHP and USHP-11 Kangan, each with a capacity of 105 MW, are located on the Jhelum Basin. The remaining nine projects have capacities below 30 MW.
Additionally, the six central sector projects, managed by NHPC, contribute a total of 2250 MW to the region. However, the actual power received falls drastically short, hovering around 500 MW and occasionally dropping below 350 MW. This discrepancy exacerbates the challenges faced by residents and businesses in the region.
The KCCI appreciating the urgency of the situation, emphasises its impact not only on the business landscape but also on all crucial sectors. Even the critical healthcare is suffering. The pervasive power crisis is affecting everyday life in Kashmir, necessitating immediate attention and redressal.
The KCCI calls upon the relevant authorities to collaborate swiftly and effectively to address the power crisis, ensuring the well-being of the people and the sustained functioning of businesses in the Kashmir Valley.
KCCI believes that the concern shown by Lt. Governor , Shri Manoj Sinha , about the power outages will have desired effect on the bosses controlling KPDCL and instead of hiding behind conflicting statements will take measures on war footing and prevent the anger caused by severe power crisis , more so , with the early setting in of a severe winter directly make them the target of public anger.(KNS)