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| Chenab Valley reels under darkness, only 30% power restored | | | Asif Iqbal Naik
Early Times Report
Kishtwar, Dec 20: The electricity woes in power generation hub of Chenab Valley i.e. Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts continued for third consecutive day today due to employees of Power Department going on an indefinite strike across Jammu and Kashmir.
The PDD employees are protesting against the government’s decision to privatise and unbundle the existing Power Department into different corporations including its merger with Northern Grid of India.
As per the details available with Early Times, the employees in all the three districts held strong protest against the government’s move. The talks between the representatives of the employees union and the government have not yielded any results.
PDD employees took out a peaceful candle light march at various places in Kishtwar District.
Talking to Early Times, a casual labour who is working in the department since more than 20 years said that the new government policy is against the employees. “We gave our blood to the department with the hope that our services will be regularised, but the government in its new draft has not mentioned a single word about our future.”
“This will not only affect us but over future generations as well as no locals will get an opportunity to serve in the department in near future,” said another employee.
“We can understand the sufferings of people but this strike is not only for our future — but also for those poor people who cannot afford one meal in a day, but will have to pay hefty electricity bills” said the employees.
Meanwhile majority of the far flung areas viz Padder, Nagsini, Palmar, Dachhan, Drabshallla, Bhujwah are without electricity since last three days despite efforts made by the administration.
“Many far flung areas of Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban are reeling under -5-10 degree temperature - with many areas Padder Kishtwar District are facing harsh weather conditions” the locals said.
Even though administration is making efforts, the electricity could be restored only in 30% areas of Chenab valley which mostly include essential services.
The administration in Kishtwar District pressed the employees of NHPC, CVPPP, private electrification company and some retired employees into services, but failed to restore the electricity particularly the Dadpath transmission line.
“Padder transmission line is around 80 KM in length— it is very difficult to detect the fault in it— similar is the case with other areas of Kishtwar District spread over vast area of more than 7000 Sq miles” said an official. He added that they don’t want to go for any adventurism that can lead to the damages to the existing infrastructure.
Keeping in view of the PDD employees strike, the people in Thathri Sub Division held a strong protest against government’s failure to restore the power supply.
Later SDM Thathri Athar Amin Zarger called on the agitating people and assured them that the efforts are on to restore the electricity in phased manner.
Reports of public protest in support of demand of agitating employees were received from many parts of the Chenab Valley. The protesters condemned the government move to privatise electricity which could make the power costlier. |
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