JAMMU, June 19: Rajiv Mahajan, President of Shri Ram Sena in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, has vehemently criticized the Lt. Governor’s claim of providing 24×7 uninterrupted power supply to smart metered areas.
Addressing a press conference at the party office, Mahajan accused the government of failing to deliver consistent electricity both day and night, causing significant hardships for the residents of Jammu.
Mahajan emphasized that electricity is a fundamental necessity in the modern era, crucial for daily life, education, health, and safety. He highlighted that despite the administration’s annual assurances, unscheduled power cuts remain a persistent issue every summer. This failure to provide reliable electricity has far-reaching consequences for various segments of society. Students are among the most affected by the power cuts.
Mahajan pointed out that frequent and unplanned outages disrupt their studies, making it difficult for them to concentrate and perform well academically.
The elderly population also suffers due to the inconsistent electricity supply. Mahajan explained that older adults, who often have health issues, are left in a miserable condition without reliable power. Many of them rely on electrical devices for their medical needs and general comfort, and power cuts exacerbate their health problems.
Furthermore, patients and critically ill individuals are severely impacted by the lack of consistent electricity. Homes Unscheduled power cuts can jeopardize the health and safety of patients, putting lives at risk.
Mahajan specifically mentioned the situation in New Rehari , an area that has achieved 100% smart metering yet still faces unscheduled power cuts both during the day and at night. He criticized the administration for failing to provide a regular power supply despite the technological advancements and investments in smart metering.
Expressing concern over the worsening summer power crisis in Jammu, Mahajan noted that the past fortnight has been particularly challenging for residents of New Rehari , who have experienced frequent and unpredictable power cuts. The rising temperatures and heatwaves, combined with the power cuts, have created unbearable living conditions. According to Mahajan, such a severe power crisis has not been witnessed in the past even old meter system.
He warned that night-time power cuts could lead to increased theft and terrorist activities, as darkness provides cover for criminal acts. Ensuring a continuous power supply at night is crucial for maintaining public safety and security in the region.
Mahajan urged Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha to take immediate and effective steps to provide a 24×7 power supply to smart metered areas. He called on the administration to prioritize this issue and implement measures to alleviate the crisis faced by common households. Reliable electricity is not a luxury but a basic right that is essential for the well-being and development of the community, he said.
Rajiv Mahajan underscored the pressing need for the Jammu and Kashmir administration to address the power supply issues urgently.
The recurrent power cuts are causing significant distress and inconvenience to the residents, particularly during the harsh summer months, he said adding that it is imperative for the authorities to ensure a stable and reliable power supply to improve the quality of life for all residents and prevent further hardships.