It goes without saying that the Jammu Kashmir Administration has been dealing the public issues with the least political interference and has freehand on the issues of public importance. An official communiqué that expressed its resolve for ensuring a vibrant, disruption-free winter for Kashmir valley as the top priority this year, is no less than rubbing salt on the wounds of the Jammu Region that passed through a phase of sweltering summer during the preceding six months.
It gives one impression that since the top bureaucrats enjoyed the otherwise scorching and humid heat in their cool environs at Kashmir valley, they do not have any perception of how people pass their daily lives in uncomfortable hot weather that too with frequent power cuts in a hot region.
Nobody can raise any objection if the administration actively pursues the agenda of public convenience and facilities to the people of any region. But the mute point is why the similar spirit goes missing while issues of the other region, where the inhabitation may be otherwise politically docile and unassertive.
Well before the onset of severe winter in Kashmir, the Chief Secretary and PDD Commissioner Secretary with top officials of PDD from Kashmir valley were grilling their minds in evolving strategy to lessen the impact of harsh winter in Kashmir. Fine! They deserve it but so is Jammu’s hot region that equally qualifies for the similar sensitivity and attention of the administration.
Observing the spirit and enthusiasm visible in the outcome of the crucial meeting show tremendous commitment towards the people’s welfare and is appreciable indeed.
Kashmir PDC has already touched a peak load of 1653 MW which is nearly 100 MW higher than the peak load of 1546 which was served last year. Similarly, the power supply to the Kashmir valley this year alone had been of the order of 5719.6 million units- an increase of 12% over the previous year. Now have a comparison of the data viz a viz that of Jammu division.
The Chief Secretary directed the officers to undertake greater efforts to ensure smooth power supply during winters. He directed inspection of all transformers by 30th November 2021 to ensure good health of transformers, besides simultaneously inspecting all HT/LT fuses within 15 days.
He directed for avoiding unscheduled power cuts due to overloading and formulation of proper protocol to manage scheduled power cuts. He also directed the initiation of the IEC campaign for raising awareness on agreement power load, schedule of electricity cuts and helpline number for complaints.
The Department was also directed to inform the public about the scheduled power cut through text messages in advance, besides ensuring lowering the existing transformer damage rate from 20% to 10% during the three winter months. He also asked to ensure that the damaged transformers in all main towns be replaced within 8 hours of reported failure, while in other areas the same shall be made functional within 24 hours.
The government is found keen to ensure a vibrant winter tourism season in Kashmir and for this purpose, the provision of a reliable electricity supply is of critical importance. He exhorted the officers to provide a 24X7 power supply.
Now the point ends in an open question. Does Jammu not deserve similar measures to improve its lot in the matter of electricity supply? It would be great if such spirit of public service is shown for Jammu too that has been crying over persistent discrimination for decades now.
