Srinagar, Jan 2: Following escalation of protests in the Valley over acute power shortage resulting in the death of a youth Monday, the state government, as a fire-fighting measure today, directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to begin operating diesel-powered gas turbines at Pampore immediately to give relief to people suffering from frequent power cuts.
In a statement issued here, Development Commissioner Power M A Salroo said the PDD has been directed to put gas turbines into operation, which will increase electricity generation in the valley.
 One person was shot dead today outside National Hydel Power Project's Uri station in North Kashmir's Baramulla district when Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel opened fire on protesters demanding proper electricity supply.
 Kashmir is facing a severe shortage of electricity and residents have to spend many hours without power every day amid sub-zero temperatures.
 Salroo said after the high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah last week, the department has ensured that energy supply to Kashmir valley is significantly increased to give immediate relief from the severe winter conditions prevailing in the Valley.
 Earlier, 850 MW electricity was being supplied to the Valley on a daily basis, which has now gone upto 951 MW, he said.
 Efforts of the department would be focused on increasing this further to 1,100 MW in the coming days, he said.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 Jan 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 Jan 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 3 Jan 2012 00:00:00 IST