JAMMU, Jul 10: Workers of the Dogra Front and Shiv Sena (DFSS), led by party president Ashok Gupta, on Friday staged a protest rally in Jammu city against the erratic water supply, prolonged power cuts and low-voltage issues amid the prevailing heatwave.
Carrying empty buckets as a symbol of the acute shortage of drinking water and electricity, the protesters marched through the city and raised slogans demanding immediate intervention by the administration to restore essential public services.
Addressing the gathering, Ashok Gupta said residents of Jammu are facing immense hardship due to frequent power outages and inadequate water supply during scorching temperatures, which have touched nearly 45 degrees Celsius. He said air conditioners and coolers provide much-needed relief during the intense summer, but repeated power cuts have rendered them ineffective, making life difficult for the public.
Gupta alleged that the shortage of electricity has also adversely affected the water supply system, adding that officials of the Power Development Department are unable to improve the situation because they are receiving inadequate power despite Jammu contributing significant revenue.
He further claimed that a large number of transformers and power cables have developed faults due to excessive load and that delays in repairs and replacement have aggravated the crisis. According to him, prolonged outages and persistent low voltage have also made inverters ineffective, as batteries are unable to charge properly.
Highlighting the growing tourist influx to Jammu, Gupta said several public water coolers installed in city markets are lying defunct, causing inconvenience to both visitors and local residents. He urged the administration to restore these facilities without delay.
Demanding the personal intervention of the Lieutenant Governor, Gupta appealed for immediate measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity and adequate drinking water for the people of Jammu. He also called upon the government to invest in solar power projects, stating that Jammu receives abundant sunlight and has significant potential for generating clean, affordable energy.
Gupta maintained that consumers paying electricity bills through smart meters deserve uninterrupted 24-hour power supply.
Among those who participated in the protest were Abhishek, Bittu, Ganesh, Bantu, Prem, Kalu, Rampal, Naresh, Ram and several other party workers.