There seems to be nothing new for the people of Jammu Province, who have long grown used to the distress of prolonged and erratic power cuts—both scheduled and unscheduled. Year after year, summer arrives not just with soaring temperatures but also with renewed suffering for the public. And once again, as the mercury climbs relentlessly both during the day and night, the residents are being forced to cope with an unreliable power supply, marked by frequent outages and voltage fluctuations. The most frustrating aspect of this crisis is the continued lack of accountability and foresight shown by the concerned authorities.
Last year, there was a flicker of optimism when the administration claimed to have struck an agreement aimed at securing additional electricity supply during the critical peak summer months. This announcement had sparked hope in the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who had pinned their expectations on the possibility of improved services. Unfortunately, those lofty promises now appear to have been hollow words. The reality on the ground paints a grim picture of poor planning, official indifference, and unkept commitments.
As per recent developments, the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) has issued fresh schedules for load-shedding across several districts of the Jammu region. In places like Kathua, localities such as Rajbagh, Jasrota, Channi, and Amala are witnessing regular power cuts that last for hours. Meanwhile, other areas are facing a mix of scheduled outages and surprise blackouts, intensifying the hardship for residents.
Last year, the government has replaced the old digital meters and installed lakhs of new smart meters across the Jammu region with the promise of providing 24×7 regular and quality power supply. However, despite consumers now paying hefty electricity bills but unfortunately the Power Corporation has failed to deliver on its commitment. Instead of uninterrupted service, several localities continue to experience erratic power supply and frequent fluctuations, leaving residents frustrated and questioning the very purpose of the smart meter initiative.
The administration must confront some hard truths: Why were adequate measures not taken despite clear warnings of a heat wave? Why are honest, bill-paying consumers being made to suffer? Why is there no sense of urgency?
It’s time for the administration to rise from its slumber. The public has endured enough. Promises must now be backed by concrete action, not just announcements. Uninterrupted power is not a luxury—it is a basic necessity, and the people of Jammu deserve no less.
