Bandipora: Inhabitants of Izmarg, Jalindora and Chutiwari villages in the Gurez valley of Bandipora district staged a protest on Sunday against the Power Development Department, alleging that they have been left without a reliable electricity supply for years. Locals said the absence of a proper power system has pushed their remote border settlements into severe hardship, despite repeated pleas to the authorities.
The villagers said a single 60 KV transformer installed at Kanzalwan is being used to supply all three villages. According to them, the transformer is old, overloaded and unable to meet the demand, resulting in chronic low voltage and frequent outages. Families said they are unable to run even basic household appliances, while children often sit in darkness to study. They said the area remains without dependable electricity through most of the year, worsening their living conditions with every passing season.
Speaking to reporters, local resident Ghulam Mohideen Lone said the community was compelled to protest because their demands have been ignored for too long. He said the situation has become unbearable, particularly with winter approaching. He added that living in a border region comes with its own challenges, especially when heavy snowfall cuts Gurez off for months, making electricity vital for heating, lighting and basic survival.
Lone said the continuing power crisis threatens to push the villages into even harsher conditions. He said the administration must intervene urgently instead of waiting for the situation to deteriorate further as temperatures drop.
Another villager, Zaheer Ahmed, said the locals have raised the issue countless times with different officials but have seen no improvement. He said the transformer supplying the area remains overloaded, leaving the connected villages in low voltage or complete darkness for long hours. He said the people feel neglected and unheard, although their demands are simple and legitimate.
The villagers appealed to the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, the SDM Gurez and the Tehsildar Gurez to intervene without delay. They urged the administration to upgrade the existing transformer and ensure a stable power supply to prevent further suffering.
They said timely action would restore trust and bring long-awaited relief to the people living in the harsh terrain of Gurez valley. [KNT]
