After power supply was snapped across Kishtwar district due to heavy snowfall almost a week ago, the local shopkeepers have found a new means to earn money, charging people Rs 50 per hour to charge their mobile phones and batteries.
Satish Kumar, a resident of Palmar, told Greater Kashmir, “I travelled more than 30 kilomteres and paid Rs 250 to the shopkeeper for charging my mobile phone and rechargeable torch for five hours. In the present harsh climate, mobile phones are a necessity as they are the only way to connect.”
Another man, Ved Raj, also had a similar tale to tell. “As my relatives live outside the state, my mobile phone is the only way I can keep in touch. Plus, in times of emergencies, it is our only means to communicate. I paid Rs 150 and charged my mobile phone,” he said.