Kashmir hit by 16-hour outages a day as temperature dips beneath 0°C | India Information

Worst State of affairs Since 2004 Has Sparked Protests, Political Rallies
SRINAGAR: Kashmir is reeling beneath acute energy scarcity, with individuals going through excessive inconvenience attributable to day by day outages as much as 16 hours at a time when temperatures within the Valley have dipped to sub-zero ranges.
Even hospitals are bearing the brunt of the disaster whereas industries in addition to different essential sectors in J&Okay are struggling, too.
In accordance with sources, Kashmir has not witnessed such a situation since 2004, when individuals needed to face energy cuts as much as 18 hours a day.

Dealing with flak from opposition leaders, commerce our bodies and different sections of individuals over the dire scenario, the LG administration is alleged to have arrange a committee earlier this week to buy electrical energy from the Northern Grid. Nonetheless, there was no respite up to now.
In accordance with authorities, the present scenario is a results of electrical energy technology hitting a document low this season attributable to varied elements.
H Rajesh Prasad, the principal secretary within the energy improvement division (PDD), stated at press convention on Friday the demand in J&Okay had elevated to three,200 MWs whereas electrical energy technology within the UT was at present 85% decrease in comparison with the summer time season — 150 MWs, as in opposition to 1,050 MWs in summers.

Manufacturing in J&Okay’s energy crops often decreases throughout winters due to the freezing temperatures. A PDD official stated the electrical energy technology this winter had been additional hit by a chronic dry spell in Kashmir.
Prasad claimed the administration had taken some long-term measures, together with complete infrastructure improve, to make sure enough capacities had been created and such a scenario was not repeated throughout winters in future, however added it will take time to implement them.
For now, the Valley continues to grapple with energy disruptions, which has led to an outcry. Individuals have been holding demonstrations and varied political events additionally took out protest marches.

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Trade lamented that regardless of assurances from authorities, the scenario had not solely failed to enhance however had taken a flip for the more severe. In a press release, KCCI chairman Javid Tenga stated the “stark actuality underscores the pressing want for speedy motion” as the present disaster was inflicting substantial losses to trade, tourism, handicrafts, commerce, healthcare and different sectors, moreover inflicting immense hardships to the ailing, kids and aged.
The extended blackouts come at a time when mercury continues to plummet each day in Kashmir. Srinagar recorded -1.0°C on Saturday, and the season’s lowest of -1.8°C on November 22.