JAMMU, Jul 7: Senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch Adv. Devraj Sharma has expressed grave concern over the continued non-functioning of the 1×10 MVA, 33/11 KV Bansultan Receiving Station (Grid) at Miran Sahib, alleging that despite repeated representations to all concerned officials of the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL), the vital power infrastructure has remained defunct for nearly one year, causing immense hardship to thousands of electricity consumers.
Describing the prolonged inaction as a glaring example of administrative negligence, Sharma said it is deeply unfortunate that a public asset worth more than Rs 1 crore has been allowed to remain non-operational for such a long period without any visible urgency from the concerned authorities.
The receiving station reportedly suffered extensive damage during the floods last year. However, even after several months, no concrete steps have been taken to restore its functioning, severely affecting power distribution across Miran Sahib and adjoining areas. The continued closure of the grid has resulted in erratic voltage, prolonged unscheduled power cuts, and frequent disruptions in electricity supply, particularly during the ongoing peak summer season.
Adv. Sharma said the crisis has pushed thousands of residents of both rural and urban areas into tremendous difficulty, with consumers receiving electricity for barely 30 minutes at a time, followed by several hours of outages. The unreliable power supply has adversely affected domestic life, students preparing for examinations, farmers, traders, small businesses, healthcare facilities, and other essential services.
He observed that the prevailing situation raises serious questions about the commitment of the concerned department and the Jammu & Kashmir Government towards ensuring uninterrupted electricity to the people. “When such an important receiving station remains defunct for nearly a year despite repeated requests and public grievances, it speaks volumes about the seriousness with which public infrastructure and essential services are being handled,” Sharma remarked.
The senior BJP leader said residents have repeatedly voiced their resentment through protests and demonstrations against the Power Development Department, demanding immediate restoration of the receiving station. However, according to him, the authorities have failed to provide any definite timeline for completing the repair and commissioning work.
Calling the situation unacceptable, Sharma urged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, senior officers of JKPDCL, and the Power Development Department to personally intervene and expedite the restoration of the Bansultan Receiving Station on a war footing. He emphasized that uninterrupted electricity has become an essential requirement, especially during the scorching summer months when demand reaches its peak.
Adv. Sharma further stressed that strengthening power infrastructure must remain a priority for the government if it seeks to improve public confidence and deliver efficient governance. He said delays in restoring critical installations not only inconvenience the public but also undermine developmental efforts and erode trust in public institutions.
Appealing for immediate action, Sharma demanded that the damaged receiving station be made fully operational without any further delay and that accountability be fixed for the extraordinary delay in restoring such a crucial public utility. He asserted that the people of Miran Sahib and surrounding areas deserve reliable, quality power supply and should not be forced to endure avoidable hardships due to administrative indifference.