Bandipora, Jan 17: Residents of Colie Mohalla in Athwatoo area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district are facing a severe crisis as the Power Development Department (PDD) has failed to provide sufficient voltage to the area.
The locals said that yhe inadequate voltage has led to a series of issues, affecting daily life, education, and overall well-being of the community.
"One of the most pressing concerns is the inability of residents to charge their electronic devices, including mobile phones," they said, adding that the voltage drop is so low that it renders charging nearly impossible, leaving individuals disconnected from the outside world.
The locals also said that the impact is particularly pronounced in the local primary school, where electronic equipment has become useless due to the voltage fluctuations.
Another resident expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that despite the Education Department clearing all outstanding dues, the PDD has not been able to provide a stable and sufficient voltage supply.
Consequently, critical electronic equipment in the school is now dysfunctional, severely hampering the educational process.
The dire situation has prompted residents to resort to traditional methods such as using "lashi" for lighting, which not only affects their daily lives but also poses health risks. In an age heavily reliant on electricity, the absence of a stable power supply has left the villagers in a state of despair.
Furthermore, the residents of Colie Mohalla Athwatoo are expressing their frustration with the PDD department by requesting the dismantling of the electric network in the Mohalla.
They argue that when there is no reliable voltage, the presence of electric poles and wires becomes redundant, and the department should take action accordingly.
Abdul Hameed Chohan, elected ex panch of the area, highlighted the extent of the issue by mentioning that he has to take his mobile phones to nearby villages daily for charging.
The lack of access to electricity has left residents disconnected from the rest of the country, adversely affecting their social and economic interactions.
Meanwhile, the residents urged the PDD department to address the issue urgently, as the prolonged voltage crisis is not only impacting their daily lives but also disrupting the education system and creating health hazards.
