SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) on Thursday said it has been closely monitoring the persistently erratic electric power supply in large areas of the valley for a considerable period. This situation is significantly impacting trade, business, industry, and households across the region.
The Chamber in a statement issued here expressed deep concern and disappointment regarding the inconsistent policies of the KPDCL in ensuring regular power supply to consumers. Despite initiating the process of installing smart meters in valley areas and committing to uninterrupted and flawless electric supply to consumers, the department’s performance on the ground has been quite the opposite, it said.
The power situation has deteriorated further, with consumers not even spared during the month of Ramadhan, leading to immense hardship. The KCCI said is shocked by reports from many areas experiencing 12 or more hours of shutdown, and the KPDCL has failed to provide any satisfactory explanation. “The prolonged shutdown, particularly with the onset of summer and ample water resources, is not only surprising but also perplexing, causing significant suffering among the populace. The tourism sector is particularly hard hit, facing long hours of power shutdown, adversely impacting tourists as well,” it said.
Despite the government’s vigorous tourism promotional campaigns across the country and abroad, these efforts are being nullified due to the thoughtless planning and incompetent performance of KPDCL, the Chamber said, adding that the travel trade is witnessing a surge in cancellations due to the power situation, leading to considerable losses for stakeholders. The news of erratic power supply in the valley has spread like wildfire to other parts of the country, resulting in cancellations of planned trips to Kashmir, hotel bookings, and other arrangements, further exacerbating losses for stakeholders, it added.
“It is evident that the department is consistently failing to meet the expectations of consumers and is unable to provide satisfactory explanations for its failures. The KCC&I calls for the intervention of the Lt. Governor to appoint a fact-finding committee to identify the faulty links contributing to the plight of consumers, particularly senior citizens, the sick, students, and those in the health, education, and tourism sectors, as well as industry stakeholders,” the Chamber said.

KR Desk