Snowfall Takes Lid Off Faulty Power Lines Across Kashmir
Valley Plunges Into Darkness Amid Calls for System Overhaul
Just a spell of snowfall exposes decades-old weaknesses in power infrastructure as experts urge urgent revamp of distribution & maintenance systems
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: A brief but intense spell of snowfall across Kashmir on Friday brought more than scenic beauty and winter cheer — it also plunged large parts of the Valley into darkness, exposing long-standing issues in the region’s electricity distribution network. From Srinagar to remote hamlets in north and south Kashmir, residents faced power outages lasting hours, disrupting daily life, heating systems and essential services.
Experts and former engineers say the outages were not just a result of extreme weather, but a manifestation of aging infrastructure, poorly maintained lines, and faulty wiring that has been repeatedly flagged but insufficiently addressed.
“The system is vulnerable,” said a retired senior engineer of the Kashmir Power Development Corporation (KPDCL). “Even a small spell of snow or gusty winds can trigger cascading failures across substations and overhead lines. The equipment, much of it decades old, cannot handle sudden load or environmental stress. Regular maintenance and modernization have been long overdue.”
Residents reported that power cuts occurred within hours of the first snowfall, with some neighborhoods in Srinagar and Baramulla left without electricity for 6–8 hours. “It was pitch dark at 7 in the morning. Heaters and water pumps stopped working, and roads were slippery with no street lights,” said a Srinagar resident. “We have been hearing for years that the system would be upgraded, but nothing concrete has been done.”
Technical experts highlighted multiple weak points in Kashmir’s power network. “A combination of faulty overhead lines, poorly insulated cables, and outdated transformers makes the system extremely fragile during snow, rainfall, or high winds,” explained an independent electrical engineer based in Srinagar. “The system requires urgent investment, both in modern equipment and in skilled manpower to maintain and monitor the network continuously.”
Former KPDCL engineers also emphasized the importance of proactive measures. “The outages we saw could have been mitigated if preventive measures had been in place,” said a retired KPDCL official who requested anonymity.
“Shock-proof equipment, regular line inspections, and a robust emergency response plan are crucial. Right now, the network survives day-to-day, but any severe weather event can cripple the entire grid.”
Officials have acknowledged the problems in principle, noting that plans to revamp the electricity system have been under discussion for several years.
However, implementation has been slow, hampered by funding issues, logistical challenges, and the difficult terrain of the Valley.
“We are aware of the vulnerabilities, and modernization projects are being prioritized,” said a KPDCL spokesperson. “But the network is vast, and extreme weather events like snowfall do highlight gaps in preparedness.”
The latest incident has sparked renewed debate among policymakers, engineers, and the public. Citizens are urging accelerated upgrades, including the installation of insulated lines, automated fault detection systems, and underground cabling in critical urban areas to prevent future blackouts.
While the snowfall brought scenic vistas and revived winter tourism across Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg, it has also served as a stark reminder that Kashmir’s power infrastructure cannot afford to be reactive.
Experts warn that without timely modernization, even minor snow or wind events could repeatedly disrupt electricity supply, affecting households, hospitals, schools, and businesses across the Valley.
“The power network is like the backbone of the region,” said an independent electrical consultant. “It must be strengthened before another winter tests it. The snowfall was beautiful, but it also unveiled a truth that cannot be ignored: modernization is no longer optional, it is essential.”
