by Sajid Raina
SRINAGAR: The border Gurez belt in northern Kashmir, previously in the spotlight for being connected to the power grid for the first time since 1947, has faced a setback on Thursday. The snowfall has impacted the grid connectivity.
The joy among consumers was short-lived as the administration announced that a major fault had developed in the transmission line stretching from Tragbal to Koragbal, a hilly area blanketed by several feet of snowfall during winter.
The administration has announced its decision to resort to diesel generators for electricity- the only place in the Valley to do so. However, there’s an appeal to the public to use electricity responsibly, as misuse, especially with heating gadgets, can lead to damage to these generators.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Gurez Mukhtar Ahmad Ahangar issued an order in this regard. “General Public of Block Gurez is informed through the medium of this notice that 33 KV transmission line from Bandipora to Gurez has developed a major fault between Tragbal and Koragbal,” the order reads. “Due to heavy snowfall and closure of Gurez Bandipora road it is not possible to restore the power supply immediately.”
It also reads that the KPDCL Gurez will supply electricity through already in place Gen sets from today. “General Public is informed to refrain from any misuse of electricity which can cause damage to DG sets consequent interruption in power supply due to over load. Any violation found will be seriously dealt under rule of law,” it added.
Residents fear that the restoration process will be protracted, citing significant snow accumulation along the Gurez Bandipora road, through which the transmission line passes.
“There were concerns raised during the summer about the project’s viability in winter, but it wasn’t taken seriously. Everyone was celebrating the arrival of electricity at that time,” one resident from the snow locked region said. “There will be significant damage to electricity poles along the way, given the challenging terrains and tough topography.”
“The transmission line project, initiated by the Government in 2020 and executed by Jammu Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited, faced scepticism from locals due to its vulnerability in the tough topography, avalanche-prone areas, and extreme weather conditions, particularly at Razdan Top,” Waseem Ahmad, local said.
“The government should have initiated a power project in Gurez, providing a permanent solution, rather than attempting to bring electricity from Bandipora through challenging transmission lines,” he said.
Gulam Mohammad, an elderly resident said that the government had promised a project in Gurez back in 2010, which remains unfulfilled. “So, instead of pursuing this transmission line, the government should prioritize fulfilling its earlier commitment for a power project in Gurez,” he added.
Interestingly, the region supplies water to the 330 MW power Kishanganga power project that is generating 1713 million units annually. One percent of the generation of the power project is supposed to used for the consumption of the region. Since this energy is produced in Bandipore, it remains to be seen how the region is compensated for the loss.
