As a result of the Valley’s prolonged dry season, which has caused the water levels in most of the water bodies to drop, Kashmir’s power plants are producing less electricity, forcing the government to impose a power cut that will be extremely difficult for the populace.

Relevantly, the months of August and September in 2023 saw insufficient rainfall as the hot and muggy weather persisted for weeks at a time, shattering the previous record for the month of September.

The humid and hot weather caused the water levels in well-known water bodies including the Jhelum, Chena, Doodh Ganga, and others to drop, which led to complaints of water shortages from locals.

Consumers in the Valley, however, have grown increasingly frustrated with the inconsistent power supply and have urged the government to guarantee a constant supply of electricity for everyone.

Natipora, Rambagh, Barzulla, Bhagat, Chanapora, Dalgate, Boulevard, Nehru Park, Habb Kadal, and other locations have all reported receiving complaints. The users said that both metered and non-metered zones had the same conditions.

Javed Yousuf Dar, the chief engineer of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), told the media persons that the department has resorted to power curtailment due to the decrease in power production at the valley’s powerhouses as a result of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers’ and other water bodies’ water levels.

He said that besides the less power generation, the temperature has plummeted, which in result has increased the demand of electricity, thus promoting the KPDCL to go for power curtailment. “We are trying to ensure less curtailment in the areas where smart meters have been installed,” he added.

The Chief Engineer added that there isn’t enough outside electricity available, but that the government is working to arrange for additional, so perhaps things will get better soon.

It is important to note that two weeks ago, the extended dry season in Jammu & Kashmir caused the water level in the river Jhelum to be recorded at a 70-year low.

The extended dry season came to an end on Sunday when fresh snow fell in the upper ranges of Gulmarg and other locations while rain pummelling the plains throughout J&K, which also caused a drop in maximum temperature.