Frequent Power Cuts Disrupt Life, Business Activities in Bandipora Town

Muqeet Mubashir

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Bandipora, November 05: Frequent power outages in Bandipora Town have triggered resentment among residents and the business community, with people complaining that unscheduled electricity cuts are disrupting daily life and affecting commercial activities in the district’s main business hub.

 

Bandipora town, which serves not only as a major residential centre but also as the principal commercial hub of the district, witnesses considerable daily business activity. However, recurring power disruptions have made it difficult for shopkeepers and other business establishments to maintain their normal working hours.

Mushtaq Ahmad, an apparel showroom owner, told Kashmir Convener that he is forced to stop selling his products once his computer runs out of power, as the business requires online billing and scanning products to check their prices. “We now have to close our business several hours earlier than the usual closing time,” he said.

“We can operate for only two to three hours, until our backup batteries and inverters run out of power. What are we supposed to do in our shops after that?” a CEC operator told Kashmir Convener.

Several other shopkeepers said that prolonged and frequent power cuts were compelling them to wind up their businesses earlier than usual, particularly during evening hours, when electricity is crucial for lighting, operating equipment and attending to customers.

A shopkeeper from the main market said the situation was affecting business, as customers often avoid visiting shops when the market remains poorly lit due to power disruptions.

“Despite receiving hefty electricity bills, consumers are being deprived of power during peak hours when it is needed the most, making it difficult for traders to run their businesses smoothly,” he said.

Residents have also expressed concern over the inconvenience caused by frequent outages, saying that unreliable power supply affects household routines and other essential activities.

Some local business owners pointed out that electricity disruptions were not merely a domestic inconvenience but an issue with wider economic implications, particularly in a town where a large section of the population depends on commercial activities for its livelihood.

The affected residents and traders have urged the Power Development Department (PDD) to ensure a reliable electricity supply, particularly in the main market and adjoining residential areas.

Speaking to Kashmir Convener, AEE PDD Manzoor Ahmad said the power supply situation in Bandipora town had improved and was currently being maintained as per the scheduled curtailment.

He said the recent disruption was caused by a technical fault, which was rectified by the department on Thursday. He assured that electricity supply would now continue as per the prescribed schedule, with the department making efforts to ensure smooth supply.

He also noted that increased electricity demand during winter puts additional pressure on the system and urged consumers to use electricity judiciously to avoid overloading.