People up in arms against frequent power cuts

Srinagar, May 9: Residents on the outskirts of Srinagar are up in arms against the Power Development Department ( PDD) authorities for unscheduled and frequent power cuts. The locals have threatened to take to streets if the power supply is not improved soon.

Locals of Rangpora, Safa Kadal, Nowhatta and Khawaja Bazar said from the last one week, the electricity scenario in the area had worsened and people were facing difficulties amid harsh winter conditions.

“We are suffering in this extreme cold weather for the last one week as there are frequent power cuts in our area,” said a resident of Khawaja Bazar.

The residents said if the department doesn't improve the supply, they would stage a protest. “We have brought the issue to the notice of the officials, but they are not doing anything. Now if they don't improve it, we will be forced to protest,” said another resident.

As the winters took over the region, residents in both metered and non- metered areas have been protesting against unscheduled power cuts. In Srinagar, many parts of the city are metered, but the frequent load shedding has added to the woes of the people.

The department earlier had held people responsible for load shedding as they said people were making thefts and non- judicious use of electricity. The department also issued public warnings and appeals to residents asking them to utilise electricity judiciously so that they could provide maximum power supply. “We are trying our best to give maximum supply to people. But due to injudicious use of electricity by people, it is affecting our distribution mechanism,” the officials said.