CPI(M) hits out at govt for "grim" power situation

The state unit of CPI(M) today expressed concern over the current power crisis in Jammu and Kashmir and asked the government to respond to the "grim situation".
"The administration should wake up to the emergency scenario of power in Kashmir and must immediately respond to the grim situation by putting in place effective measures," CPI(M) state secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said in a statement here.
The deteriorating power situation and "callous response" of the administration have forced people to take to streets in every nook and corner of the Valley, he said.
"Instead of redressing their woes, the government is playing a blame game with them. No power schedule is being followed and there are some areas where electricity is off for months together and still people are served with bills," Tarigami said.

Even after a huge 78 percent increase in power tariff, the supply position has touched an all time low, the CPI(M) leader said.
"It is ironic that people in many parts of the Valley are served with bills even after their damaged transformers are lying unrepaired at workshops for months together. This cannot be accepted," he alleged.

Repairing of damaged transformers is a long and tedious process he said and alleged that the whole power distribution system in the state is in a mess.
"Power Development Department (PDD) has failed to create a buffer stock of transformers at divisional level to address the lack of damaged transformers. Repair workshops at divisional levels should also be made effective.

"The step-down transformers installed in every neighbourhood, develop technical snags and consumers are left helpless and in dark till the process of lifting, repairing and re-installation of the transformer is completed," he added.