JAMMU, Jul 7: Senior Congress leader and Incharge, R.S. Pura–Jammu South Constituency, Amrit Bali has expressed serious concern over the worsening power crisis in Jammu district, alleging that frequent unscheduled electricity cuts have exposed the failure of the concerned authorities to provide basic services during the peak summer season.
In a statement, Bali said prolonged and unannounced power outages have become a daily ordeal for residents across Jammu city, its outskirts and rural border areas, causing immense hardship to households, traders, farmers, students and small businesses. He said the scorching heat coupled with erratic electricity supply has made life miserable for the people.
Referring to the increasing public resentment over the issue, Bali said repeated power breakdowns have triggered protests in several areas, while various trade and business organisations have also voiced concern over the deteriorating power situation. He observed that despite repeated assurances of improved power supply, consumers continue to suffer from hours of unscheduled cuts every day.
The Congress leader said it is particularly alarming that even localities where 100 per cent smart meters have been installed are experiencing frequent power outages, raising serious questions over the government’s promise of ensuring round-the-clock electricity in such areas. He urged the administration to explain why consumers are being deprived of reliable power despite significant investments in smart metering infrastructure.
Bali said the erratic electricity supply has severely affected industrial production, commercial establishments and small businesses, forcing many traders to depend on costly diesel generators, thereby increasing operational expenses. He added that frequent voltage fluctuations and power breakdowns are also damaging household electrical appliances, imposing an additional financial burden on consumers.
Highlighting the impact on essential services, he said the power crisis has disrupted the functioning of Jal Shakti Department pumping stations, resulting in irregular drinking water supply in many localities and forcing residents to depend on private water tankers. He added that students preparing for examinations are also facing serious difficulties due to prolonged outages.
Expressing concern over reports of damaged smart meters, Bali said many consumers are being billed on a flat-rate basis because of non-functional meters, leading to excessive electricity bills. He demanded that the agency responsible for installing smart meters be directed to immediately replace defective units so that consumers are not forced to pay for electricity they have not actually consumed.
The senior Congress leader urged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the Power Development Department to take immediate corrective measures to strengthen the power distribution network, repair damaged transformers, replace faulty smart meters and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across both urban and rural areas.
Bali said reliable electricity is not merely a public utility but an essential service, particularly during extreme summer conditions, and called upon the administration to act without delay to restore public confidence and provide much-needed relief to the people of Jammu.