DR.FIAZ FAZILI
Living in Kashmir, I have grown up witnessing frequent power cuts as a daily reality. Since becoming conscious of my idealistic society, this issue has remained a frustrating constant, with electricity outages occurring almost every day. Despite being endowed with abundant natural resources, including vast hydroelectric potential, the region faces chronic power shortages that exacerbate the hardships of its residents, especially during harsh winters. While power cuts are not unique to Kashmir and can be observed across various parts of India, the situation here feels particularly acute. This write up delves into the historical context, reasons for the persistent power crisis, and potential solutions, with an emphasis on accountability and alternative energy sources.
Historical Context and Missed Opportunities:
Kashmir’s power sector is mired in a complex web of challenges, characterized by chronic underinvestment, inefficient power generation, political instability, coupled with sluggish economic growth, hampered investment in critical transmission infrastructure and a dysfunctional distribution network. The sector’s history is marked by ill-conceived policies, power thefts, and a lack of long-term planning. These factors have culminated in a crisis that has far-reaching implications for the economy, society, and environment.
The government’s attempts to address the crisis through a mix of policies, including increased power generation and subsidy-driven solar adoption, and installation of smart /prepaid meters have yielded mixed results. While these measures have provided some relief, they have also exacerbated underlying issues such as circular debt and inefficiencies. The burden of these challenges has disproportionately fallen on consumers, with rising electricity costs eroding purchasing power and fuelling social discontent. The dream of 24×7 electricity, as a persistent challenge mostly viewed as shared responsibility, is not a recent development. It has its roots in decades of mismanagement, lack of foresight, and a failure to implement visionary projects. One of the most notable proposals came from the late Qazi Nizam Ahmad valley’s noted Engineer in the early 1970s. His ambitious plan for hydroelectric projects, including the innovative Uri Hydel Project and schemes like Ganga Bal, aimed to make Kashmir self-sufficient in electricity. These proposals highlighted the immense potential of Kashmir’s rivers and streams to generate sustainable power. Unfortunately, these visionary ideas were either shelved or inadequately executed. Political instability, bureaucratic red tape, and an over-reliance on central assistance delayed or derailed many promising projects. As a result, the region’s hydroelectric capacity remains grossly underutilized, leaving Kashmiris to grapple with prolonged power cuts and outdated infrastructure.
-A Consumer’s Lament ,Will there be any End to it ,Why Does the Problem Persist,?
Across the country, such interruptions are often attributed to factors like insufficient infrastructure, a mismatch between electricity demand and supply, and systemic inefficiencies. In Kashmir, however, the problem seems more deeply entrenched, raising questions about accountability, governance, and the shared responsibility for ensuring a stable power supply. Several factors contribute/and or may have contributed to the ongoing power crisis in Kashmir. These include: 1. Inadequate Infrastructure: The existing power generation and distribution infrastructure in Kashmir is outdated and inefficient. Transmission losses are alarmingly high, and the lack of maintenance further compounds the problem. The region’s power grids and substations are unable to handle increased loads, particularly during the winter months when electricity demand surges.2. Hydroelectric Potential Underutilized: Despite having the potential to generate over 20,000 MW of electricity from hydroelectric projects, Kashmir produces only a fraction of this capacity. Many projects remain incomplete or are operated below their optimal efficiency. Additionally, agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty restrict the region’s ability to fully exploit its water resources for power generation.3. Political and Bureaucratic Neglect: Successive governments have failed to prioritize energy as a critical sector for development. Poor governance, lack of accountability, and frequent policy changes have hindered long-term planning and execution of power projects.4. Electricity Theft and Billing Irregularities: A significant portion of electricity in Kashmir is lost to theft and unauthorized usage. While many residents pay their bills regularly, some disobedient individuals engage in power theft, leading to increased transmission losses. However, using this as an excuse to deprive law-abiding citizens of uninterrupted electricity is both unfair and unjustifiable. The phrase “hota hai shabe roz yeh tamasha humaree aggahey bhi” aptly captures the recurring spectacle of outdated enforcement strategies that fail to address the root causes of issues. The scenario of electricity department officials raiding homes in the 1970s and again in 2024 shows how such measures are merely reactive rather than proactive or transformative.
Addressing the Root Causes; The persistence of such violations of electricity norms highlights deeper systemic and societal issues, which need to be understood and resolved holistically:a.Economic Constraints- High electricity tariffs and insufficient subsidies for the lower-income population often compel people to resort to unauthorized methods of heating or power consumption. Addressing affordability through targeted subsidies or alternative heating solutions could reduce the incentive for violations.b.Lack of Awareness:Many people may not fully understand the consequences of electricity theft, including the burden on the grid, increased outages, and higher costs for all. Public awareness campaigns that explain these impacts, combined with practical guidance on energy conservation, could help. C.Inadequate Infrastructure.The reliance on outdated grids and technology often results in inefficiencies and encourages people to bypass the system. Modernizing the electricity infrastructure with smart grids, prepaid meters, and real-time monitoring can enhance accountability and reduce misuse.
No Immediate Respite in Sight–. Harsh winters and increased demand amplify the demand for electricity, as residents rely on electric heating and lighting to combat the cold and prolonged darkness. The region’s power supply system is ill-equipped to handle these seasonal surges, resulting in frequent outages.
True to an extent or totally baseless? The political governments in Jammu and Kashmir have faced allegations of entering into agreements that prioritized selling hydroelectric power generated from projects like Dul Hasti and Uri Hydel to outside states, while the local population endured power shortages. These deals, often with central agencies like NHPC, have been criticized for depriving the state of its rightful share of electricity despite housing these projects. The blame rests on a combination of factors, including flawed agreements, lack of assertive leadership, and limited regional control over resources. Accountability and renegotiation of terms are vital to address this long-standing issue.
Consequences of the Power Crisis: The repercussions of Kashmir’s power crisis are far-reaching and deeply felt across various aspects of life:
- Healthcare: Hospitals face frequent power cuts, putting patients on life-saving equipment at risk. Backup generators are often insufficient to meet the demand, leading to compromised medical care.
- Education: Students struggle to study during long winter evenings due to inadequate lighting. Online education, working which became critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, also suffers due to unreliable electricity.
- Economic Impact: Industries and small businesses face significant losses due to power outages, discouraging investment and stifling economic growth.
- Quality of Life: Prolonged power cuts during the harsh winters make daily life unbearable for many residents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable populations.
The Importance of Smart Meters and Billing Compliance: Smart meters represent a significant step towards addressing some of the issues plaguing Kashmir’s electricity sector. These devices provide accurate readings, reduce billing disputes, and help utilities monitor and manage consumption more effectively. Ensuring that all residents pay their bills regularly is crucial for sustaining the electricity supply system. Authorities must adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards electricity theft, but this should not come at the cost of depriving honest consumers of their rights to uninterrupted power supply.
The way forward: Addressing Kashmir’s power crisis requires a comprehensive strategy involving infrastructure upgrades, policy reforms, and public engagement. Key recommendations include
A) Invest in Infrastructure: Upgrade transmission lines, build substations, and adopt smart grid technologies.
B.Accelerate Hydroelectric Projects: Complete pending projects and optimize existing ones to boost power generation.
C.Strengthen Governance: Ensure transparency, independent audits, and regular monitoring to reduce inefficiency and corruption.
D.Public Awareness: Educate residents about paying bills, preventing theft, and conserving energy.
E.Leverage Innovation: Support local engineers and researchers in developing solutions for sustainable energy development tailored to Kashmir’s needs.
F.Promote Renewable Energy: To ensure reliable and sustainable energy in Kashmir, Encourage investments in diversifying energy sources beyond hydroelectricity is essential. - Wind Energy: Harnessing strong winds in regions like the Mughal Road corridor can supplement power supply.
- Solar Power: Advancements in solar technology enable rooftop installations and community solar farms, even in areas with limited winter sunlight., extend subsidy in this alternative potential.
3.Biomass and Biogas: Utilizing agricultural and organic waste generates electricity and manages waste effectively.
4.Diesel Generators: Useful for emergencies or peak demands, though their environmental impact requires careful oversight.
5.Microgrids: Localized energy systems reduce central grid dependency, especially in remote areas. These alternatives can enhance energy reliability and sustainability.Electricity is more than just a utility; it is a lifeline that drives development and enhances quality of life. For the people of Kashmir, uninterrupted electricity is not a luxury but a necessity that must be prioritized to alleviate their suffering and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. The responsibility lies not only with the government and engineers but also with the residents, who must contribute by adhering to billing norms and conserving energy.
The author is a Surgeon at Mubarak hospital , Strategic policy analyst writes regularly on Social causes ,Policy planning,Moral issues and t reforms can be reached at drfiazfazili@gmail.com