Major Power Outage in Kashmir After Heavy Snowfall, Restoration Expected by Evening
Srinagar, December 29, 2024 – The Kashmir valley is grappling with widespread power outages following a heavy snowfall last night that disrupted electrical services, leaving many areas in darkness. The region has been significantly impacted as power supply interruptions continue to affect daily life and essential services.
Extent of the Outage
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the portfolio of Power Development Department (PDD), is closely monitoring the situation. In a post on X, Abdullah stated, “In Kashmir region, 41 feeders at 33 KV level and 739 feeders at 11 KV level are down. None at 132 KV or 220 KV level. Restoration work is underway and more than 90% feeders are expected to be up and functional by evening today. I’m in regular touch with the PDD team to monitor the situation.”
Impact of Heavy Snowfall
The heavy snowfall that blanketed large parts of Kashmir has caused significant disruptions to infrastructure. Roads, railways, and air traffic have all been affected. The snowfall has led to the closure of the Srinagar-Leh Highway and Mughal Road, while several flights have been delayed or canceled due to poor visibility and snow accumulation on runways.
Restoration Efforts
Efforts to restore power are in full swing, with teams working tirelessly to address the outages. The Chief Engineer of the PDD, Abdul Hamid, informed that field staff is on the ground, working in challenging conditions to repair damaged lines and restore supply. “Our teams are working round the clock, and we are confident that the majority of feeders will be operational by this evening,” he said.
Public Response and Challenges
Residents have expressed frustration over the power outages, particularly as the region faces intense cold wave conditions. Many are concerned about the lack of heating and disruption to daily activities. “We understand the public’s frustration and are doing everything in our power to restore services as quickly as possible,” assured Chief Minister Abdullah.
The harsh weather has compounded the challenges faced by the restoration teams. Snow-covered roads and downed power lines have made access difficult in some areas. The administration has deployed additional resources to expedite the process and ensure that critical services are restored first.
Broader Impact
Beyond power outages, the snowfall has had a broad impact on the region. Many areas are experiencing road blockages, making travel hazardous. The local administration has advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve. Emergency services are on high alert to respond to any urgent situations.
The Meteorological Department has forecasted more snowfall in the coming days, which may further complicate the restoration efforts. Travelers are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and travel advisories to ensure safety.
