Winter and Electricity

As winter approaches and sets in, the usual crisis that Kashmir is familiar with, that of power, will hit Kashmir. If the past is any guide, then the power woes that include unscheduled power cuts,
outages and so on will be the main ones adding to the already extant burden of winter in Kashmir. If there would be uninterrupted supply of power in winter in Kashmir, winter here would not only be
bearable but its burden would be considerably lessened. With respect to the nature of electricity shortage in Kashmir, during winter, the reasons are not rocket science: these pertain to the mismatch
between supply and demand. That is, in winter, demand exceeds supply substantially and significantly and the system is unable to absorb and cope up. The burden is borne by the people, especially
the poor, underprivileged and vulnerable segments of society. The well off segments, while they also are not immune to these issues and problems, manage to cope up with their hamaams and other
amenities. (This is not to suggest that this is bad or something is wrong with it but the majority of the people here do not have access to such facilities). Generally speaking, winters in Kashmir are
harsh and unforgiving and people are at their mercy. It is acutely and poignantly worse for the elderly, the sick and the unwell and children. It is no coincidence many vulnerable people fall victim to
ailments of a serious and debilitating nature during winter. Women’s bone issues get aggravated and the elderly get immobilized to their homes. Businesses suffer losses and the productivity of
workers is sapped thereby eating away at business health and viability. Add to this the snowfall season which brings some cheer initially to people but then when the implications sink in and
consequences set, there are reasons for gloom and despair , all exacerbated by the lack of electricity for extended periods. The list of issues and problems can go on and on but delineating these
would amount to belaboring the obvious. All these issues can be obviated to a large extent and the winter experience for Kashmiris be more easier if there is, if not entirely uninterrupted supply of
electricity during winter but a flow which ensures or takes the bite and sting off the wintry conditions of Kashmir. This becomes all the more salient and poignant against the backdrop of freak
snowfalls and extended winters that are gradually becoming the norm.