Peerzada Sayeed/Ashfaq Lone
Karnah Valley in Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a unique electricity bill crisis, sparking protests unlike those seen in other regions of the area. The valley’s distinct topography, characterized by hilly terrain and snowbound areas, significantly contributes to this issue. During winter, electricity, which reaches Karnah from Kralpora via Sadhna Top, is often disrupted as the top gets buried under 10 feet of snow, damaging power poles. Consequently, power cuts are frequent, exacerbating the residents’ frustrations.
Many residents migrate to higher pastures for about six months each year. Despite their intermittent presence and the irregular power supply, they are still charged a hefty 780 rupees per month. Principal Secretary PDD Kashmir, H Rajesh Prasad (IAS), has urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to install meters to better regulate usage. However, local administration and the department have refused to install meters when requested by the residents, leading to growing frustration and unrest.
The situation has become so dire that the people of Karnah are taking to the streets in protest. Unlike other regions of Jammu and Kashmir, where such protests are uncommon, Karnah’s unique challenges have driven its residents to demand a fair and reliable power supply.
Consumers are up in arms against the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) for hiking the power tariff, terming it an injustice. They allege that despite the department’s failure to provide uninterrupted power supply, the tariff has been increased without considering the plight of the people. Both town and rural area residents have complained of inflated electricity bills and urged the authorities to reconsider the hike to provide some relief.
On Friday, locals in Karnah, Kupwara staged a protest against the Power Department for raising their power tariff. “Up to last month, I used to pay bills of around Rs 480 only. However, this month I have got a bill of Rs 780,” said Mohd Nasar, a resident of Suliman. He mentioned that he is not the only one; others in the locality have also received highly inflated bills.
As residents continue to demand a fair resolution to their electricity billing crisis, the situation remains tense. The unique challenges faced by Karnah have highlighted the urgent need for a reliable and fair power supply system in this snowbound region.
