||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh June 20,2024||

The Jammu region is in the grip of an unrelenting heatwave coupled with unscheduled daily power cuts that have stretched into long durations, making life unbearable for residents. For over a fortnight, temperatures have soared past 46 degrees Celsius, turning everyday existence into a battle against the elements.

Unfulfilled Promises and Widespread Resentment…

Despite assurances from Honourable LG and the Jammu Power Development Corporation Ltd (JPDCL) that areas equipped with smart meters would be exempt from power cuts, residents report no such relief. Consumers allege that they are still facing power curtailments and are being forced to pay exorbitant bills without receiving the promised round-the-clock electricity. This has sparked widespread public outrage, leading to protests and road blockades across the region.

Protests Erupt in Ghagwal and Beyond…

In Ghagwal, Samba district, residents blocked roads for hours, voicing their frustration over the erratic power supply. Rishpal Verma, former Chairman of the OBC Development Board, was among the protesters. “When authorities refuse to listen, we have no choice but to take to the streets,” he said, highlighting the dire situation in Ghagwal, Hiranagar, and Samba districts.

Rural Areas Hit Hard…

The crisis is particularly severe in rural and semi-urban areas, where residents endure eight-hour or longer power cuts daily. This lack of electricity has left water pumps inoperative, compounding the woes of farmers who need to irrigate their fields. BJP district president for Jammu rural, Omi Khajuria, criticized JKPDCL for its failure to improve the power supply.

Urban Areas Suffer Too…

In urban centers like Bohri, Hazuri Bagh, Bathandi and surrounding colonies, power cuts have become a daily ordeal. Social activist Rishpal Chowdhary expressed concern over the plight of the elderly and infirm, who are particularly vulnerable. He also pointed out the paradox of consumers paying inflated bills while receiving inadequate power supply.

Smart Meters Fail to Deliver…

VHP leader Shakti Dutt Sharma called the government’s claims about smart meters providing uninterrupted power “hollow.” Areas with smart meters, such as Kathua, Bani, Billawar, and Basohli, continue to experience eight to 12-hour power cuts, disrupting both drinking water and irrigation supplies. Farmers Jagmohan and Balbir Singh from Kathua lamented that the combination of reduced canal water levels and non-functional irrigation pumps has added to their distress.

Border Areas and Beyond…

In the border areas of Ramgarh, electricity supply is erratic, playing “hide and seek” every few minutes, according to resident Sharda Devi. Political leader Kirpal Singh from Mansar noted that despite the government’s promise of 24/7 power supply to the pilgrimage site, the area has faced an acute power crisis for the past six months. Similar issues plague rural belts of Gool, Ramban town, Ramsoo, and Battery Chashma, as reported by resident Qamardin.

Udhampur’s Daily Struggle…

Ajay Kumar, a shopkeeper, and Ajay Gupta, a social activist from Udhampur, reported that there are no scheduled power cuts, yet the electricity supply is erratic throughout the day and night, exacerbating the region’s heat and humidity.

Impending Amarnath Yatra Complications…

The upcoming Amarnath Yatra adds another layer of complexity to the region’s water and power crisis. Managing the influx of pilgrims amid such severe shortages will be a monumental challenge. The Shitle water plant’s malfunction due to insufficient power supply has resulted in the distribution of contaminated water, further aggravating the situation.

Power Cuts Damage Appliances…

The unscheduled power supply and low voltage have damaged household appliances, adding financial burdens to the already stressed populace. This has cast a shadow over Jammu’s designation as a “Smart City,” with 100% smart meter areas still experiencing power cuts.

Political Silence and Public Outrage…

Despite the mounting crisis, BJP leaders remain conspicuously silent, comfortably ensconced in their Trikuta Nagar offices or enjoying uninterrupted power in VIP bungalows and government guest houses in Kashmir. This detachment has not gone unnoticed, with residents vowing not to vote for the BJP in upcoming assembly elections if the power and water crises are not resolved.

As Jammu reels under the dual assault of a blistering heatwave and crippling power outages, the promises of technological and administrative solutions seem increasingly hollow. The region’s residents, driven to the brink, demand immediate and effective action to restore normalcy and uphold the basic standards of living.