SRINAGAR: Hotel owners in Gagangir, near the tourist resort of Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, are struggling with persistent power outages that have severely impacted their businesses.
The hoteliers have raised concerns about their inability to accept bookings, particularly during the crucial winter season, when tourist arrivals typically peak.
One of the hotel owners, Muhammad Ramzan, said that electricity to hotels in Gagangir was previously supplied from the Gagangir Receiving Station via the Sonamarg feeder.
“This arrangement was discontinued in May this year for reasons that remain unclear. The disruption in power supply has rendered the hotels unable to operate efficiently, forcing tourists to seek accommodations elsewhere.”
The absence of electricity has not only dealt a blow to the tourism sector but also impacted the livelihoods of many people employed in these establishments.
Notably, hotels in Gagangir usually witness a surge in bookings during snowfall, as tourists are drawn to the area’s tranquil beauty. The current power crisis, however, has brought these operations to a standstill.
The hotel owners have appealed to MLA Kangan, Mian Mehar Ali, urging him to intervene and ensure the restoration of the power supply via the Sonamarg feeder. They believe that such a step would not only revive their businesses but also enhance the experience for tourists visiting the area. (KNT)
