Terming the statement of divisional commissioner Jammu regarding restoration of power supply in Chenab Valley as “irresponsible and aimed to make a mockery of the sufferings of the people”, the residents of Bhaderwah staged a strong demonstration here on Wednesday, demanding the stern action against the officer.
On Tuesday, the divisional commissioner, Jammu, Sanjeev Kumar, issued a statement, claiming that 90 percent of power supply has been restored, which was effected due to heavy snowfall in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts. However, superintendent engineer, power development department, Doda-Kishtwar, Asgar Hussain on Wednesday maintained that the restoration work is going on, but power supply has not been restored at all in Doda and Kishtwar and it will take at least another couple of days.
The statement of the divisional commissioner irked the locals, who are reeling under severe crisis due to non-availability of electricity since the last eight days.
While terming the divisional commissioner’s statement as “putting salt to their wounds”, the residents of Bhaderwah staged a protest at Seri Bazar on Wednesday.
Hundreds of people gathered at the historic Seri Bazaar and while raising slogans against the divisional commissioner, Jammu, and local administration, they appealed to the governor to take stern action against the erring officers.
“In the given circumstances, this is the most bizarre statement, that too by the divisional head. We are unable to understand who is he trying to fool. The Amar Chashma transmission tower, which buckled due to snow, has not been mended so far and the divisional commissioner has claimed that 90 percent of power supply has been restored. This is a cruel joke with the people of Chenab Valley and the divisional commissioner should be taken to task for it,” Neeraj Singh Manhas, general secretary, Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha Bhaderwah, said.
“The entire Doda and Kishtwar districts are reeling under complete darkness since the past 10 days, due to which people are suffering. We are paying Rs 50 to charge our mobile phones and there is complete breakdown in the banking system. In the given situation, the divisional commissioner’s statement is putting salt to the wounds and we will continue to protest until the governor takes action against the officer,” Manzoor Shah, a protestor, said.
On being contacted by Greater Kashmir, superintending engineer, power development department, Asgar Hussain, said, “Both NHPC and sleuths of PDD are trying their best to restore the power supply. As of now, it will take at least one more day to mend the damaged transmission lines and tower till Doda, but for district Kishtwar it will take another week to restore the supply.”