Pulwama residents aghast over hike in power tariff, demand rollback
‘Tariff now increased to over Rs 1800 per month despite no improvement in infrastructure’
Pulwama: The residents of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, particularly from Awantipora, Panzgam, Rakh, Zahid Bagh, Darbagh and adjoining areas, have expressed strong resentment over what they describe as an “unjustified and repeated” increase in electricity tariffs by the Power Development Department (PDD).
Locals claim their monthly tariff has surged from Rs 500 to over Rs 1800 within two years—an alarming rise that many say is unaffordable.
The residents alleged that the PDD has been arbitrarily enhancing the electricity consumption load without any ground survey, resulting in inflated bills.
“This month alone, the tariff has reached Rs 1867, which is simply unaffordable for common people,” said Yasir Ahmad, a resident of Zahid Bagh.
Currently there is scheduled power supply but whenever there are winds or rains, supply gets disrupted for hours together as power infrastructure is very weak, they said.
He questioned the logic behind increasing the tariff when no improvements have been made to the existing infrastructure.
“There are still low-lying lines in our area without proper poles, posing serious safety risks. The government must upgrade infrastructure first before burdening the public,” he added.
Javid Ahmad, a consumer from the area, echoed similar concerns. “In the last one or two years, the tariff has been increased at least four to five times. It has practically tripled in just two years. Such decisions deeply affect financially weaker sections, and the government must reconsider,” he said.
Residents allege that despite repeatedly raising the issue with concerned authorities, no action has been taken. They demanded that the department immediately rollback the recent tariff hike.
“We were expecting that the NC lead government will decrease tariffs as promised by them during elections but instead tariffs have been increased,” they said.
“We appeal to CM Omar Abdullah, Managing Director JKPDCL and District Magistrate Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom to intervene in the matter,” the locals said.
“The common man cannot bear such a burden without getting proper services in return,” the residents said.
They have sought immediate intervention of the concerned authorities in this regard.
