KL Report
Srinagar
Pesky power cuts, continuous non-availability of electricity, rations and drinking water forced people to come on roads at various places in old city. People in Zainakadal alleged that there is scarcity of rations at depots while the residents of Syed Hamidpora, Nawab Bazar protested against the unscheduled power cuts and non-availability of drinking water.
Residents of Nowpora, Eidgah, Sakidafar and Safakadal and its adjoining areas assembled outside mosques after prayers and staged demonstrations. Massive reports over scarcity of water were reported from Chanapora, Saraibal and Umar colony Lalbazar areas of Srinagar.
“It’s not in happening in old city only but same situation prevails in uptown of the city. There is shortage of rations and drinking water and now again the power situation is worsening in Kashmir,” a trader told CNS.
Reports said that people at different places in old city including Zaina Kadal, Malarata, Syed Hamidpora, Shri Bhat, Hawal and its adjacent areas staged protest against the government for failing to deliver goods during the holy month of Ramadhan. People alleged that PDD is acting on its own and is indulging in unscheduled power cuts. People raised slogans against PDD, PHE and CAPD departments demanding action against the higher ups of these departments.
“All the helpline numbers issued by these departments are out of order and if sometimes someone responds, he expresses inability and puts down the phone,” a resident from Syed Hamidpora told CNS.
“PDD is resorting 12 to 18 hours unscheduled power cuts,” said a local Irshad Ahmed of Rainawari.
Traders from these localities said even though the marketplaces were metered, they were being subjected to erratic power cuts.
PDD authorities said situation would not improve unless consumers cooperate to save energy.
During the holy month of Ramadhan, the power situation in Kashmir has remained grim forcing people in different districts to stage anti-government and anti-PDD demonstrations.
Situation was alike in metered and unmetered areas, both in rural and urban Kashmir.
People in Baramulla, Pulwama, Budgam , Handwara Lakipora, Dar pora and other districts complained of severe and pesky power cuts.
“We are witnessing cuts after every hour. The power plays hide and seek during evening and night,” said Showkat Ahmed of Jawaharnagar.
People are complaining that apart from electricity, there is scarcity of rations and most of the areas san drinking water.
