Ganderbal, Oct 19:- With winter approaching and temperatures dropping across the Valley, residents of Ganderbal have expressed concern over the electricity supply, saying they continue to face power cuts despite paying monthly bills of ₹2,000 or more on time.
Locals pointed out that the district hosts three major power projects in areas including Sumbal Surfraw, Kangan and Ganderbal, besides three mini power projects in Kullan, Rayil and Lashpathri in Sonamarg. Despite these projects, residents said they were struggling to receive a reliable power supply.
The issue has become particularly concerning for students as examinations have begun, while falling temperatures have increased the need for electricity in households.
“We are poor people, yet we pay electricity bills of ₹2,000 or even more every month, and we pay them on time. We are not begging the government to provide us with free electricity; we are simply asking for a reliable power supply in return for the money we pay,” a local resident Meer Muhammad said.
The Power Development Department (PDD) has already issued a fresh curtailment schedule for 11 kV feeders under the jurisdiction of STD Sub-Division Ganderbal, with Receiving Station Surfraw, effective from October 17.
According to the schedule, the feeders serving Ganiwan (F1), Gund (F2), Fraw (F3) and Gadribal (F4) have designated power curtailment slots throughout the day, with different combinations of feeders affected during specified periods.
Residents said the announcement of a fresh schedule had raised expectations of better planning and clarity regarding electricity supply, particularly as winter approaches.
“As our examinations have started, uncertainty over electricity supply is affecting our studies and preparation. We appeal to the authorities to ensure that students do not suffer,” said Mohammad Ramzan, a local resident.
Residents of Gund, Haknar, Fraw, Ganiwan and Mamer said the situation was adding to their hardships as temperatures continue to fall across the Valley. They said repeated appeals and protests had failed to provide lasting relief.
Locals have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the minister in charge of the Power Development Department to intervene and ensure a dependable electricity supply.
They urged the authorities to address consumer grievances and ensure that residents receive reliable electricity during the approaching winter months.
