Power Crisis: Promises, Reality, and the Need for Change
Wani Arfat
Electricity is considered one of the most significant necessities in our lives. At present, apart from the lighting of our homes, electricity is essential for educational purposes, for healthcare, for business, for agriculture, and for almost every activity in modern times. With a constant supply of electricity, people are able to study, work, and live peacefully. But in case there are interruptions in the supply of electricity, it affects everybody.
Tral is a beautiful place where one can see greenery, diligent inhabitants, and intelligent youth. It has good potential in education, agriculture, and tourism. However, the major issue, which has been disturbing the lives of people in this place, is the erratic supply of electricity. Power cuts, low voltage, and power failures have become common occurrences in Tral in recent times.
Several years ago, smart meters were installed in Tral by the Power Development Department (PDD). People were promised that this move would enhance the electricity services and that there will be fewer power outages, transparency of the electricity system, and stable electricity supply for the consumers. Therefore, people installed smart meters in their houses and started to pay their bills on time.
On the other hand, most people believe that such expected improvements have failed to take place. For example, in many regions, there is a lack of electricity which comes without warning. At times, the power is off for several hours. Another major problem that people encounter is low voltage of power that affects households, shops, and offices. Consequently, more and more people are now questioning whether the introduction of smart meters for improving the system will bring about the expected benefits.
Students are some of the greatest victims. In the present era, education requires electricity. Students require electricity for lighting, studying, completing their assignments through computers, attending online classes, and preparing for examinations. Power cuts interfere with their studies, waste their time, and create difficulties for them.
The small businesspeople suffer a great deal due to power cuts. There are many shopkeepers who depend on electricity for conducting their businesses including computer centers, photocopy centers, tailoring centers, welding centers, mobile repairing centers, and so forth.
There are various other sectors such as agriculture and horticulture that require electricity and help in supporting many families in Tral. The tourism industry is also dependent on various public services. While scenic beauty of mountains is an attraction point, reliable electricity and proper amenities are also required for development of the tourism sector.
The health sector is impacted as well. Many elderly, patients, children, and families who use electrical devices require electricity. Electricity is not a luxury but a necessity for many.
Residents of Tral have performed their duties very well. They have used smart meters, cleared electricity bills on time and cooperated with authorities. Now they expect proper and uninterrupted electricity. This cannot be called an unjustified demand because it is the right of every consumer.
On the other hand, it is also necessary to concentrate on the solutions for the problems. If there is an overload in the electricity grid, if transformers have to be replaced, or if there is a need for replacing old power lines, then such problems must be sorted out at the earliest. Improved maintenance, improved repair services, increased voltage, and advance notice of power cuts would solve most of the problems of the public.
It is also our hope that the Power Development Department (PDD), the Chief Engineer, Kashmir Power Distribution, Superintending Engineer, Executive Engineer, Electric Division Pulwama, Assistant Executive Engineer, Sub-Division Tral, and other concerned officials may take a look at the electricity infrastructure in Tral and take necessary measures.
The District Administration Pulwama has its own role to play in improving the situation. Coordination between different departments, prompt action upon public grievances, and monitoring of essential services could make things better.
The citizens of Tral do not ask for any special treatment. They simply want a good and efficient supply of electricity in return of their taxes. They wish that students could study without being distracted, the patients be treated properly, business operations go on smoothly and families live without any fear of disruption in power supply. Quality of development cannot be judged merely by the number of new projects. Quality of living can reflect the real picture of development and electricity plays a major part in it.
We sincerely hope that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, the Power Development Department, the District Administration, and all concerned authorities will take into consideration the concerns of the people of Tral and work out effective and long-lasting measures for the betterment of the electricity system.
The people of Tral do not want any additional demands from the government. They simply wish for a future where everyone has their power supply, all students can study without any disturbances, all businesses can operate smoothly, and everyone lives without any worries. This is not only a public demand but an expectation and an essential step towards development.
(The author is a social activist, and medical student hailing from Kuchmulla, Tral)
