What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
SRINAGAR: For the first time after India’s Independence, the Gurez sector in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district was connected to an electricity grid on Sunday.
For decades, the residents of Gurez Valley, which has a population of about 40,000 people with 28 villages, have historically faced extreme difficulties due to the absence of a consistent power supply. The frontier sector had to rely on diesel generators for consistent electricity supply.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha made the announcement on X. Sinha tweeted, “Historic day for Gurez! Grid connectivity reached the pristine valley for the first time after the country’s independence. 33/11kV Receiving Station energised today benefitting 1,500 consumers of various Panchayats, and efforts are on to connect all the villages in a phased manner.”
FLASH: In a major update, the #Ganderbal police where the 7 students have been presented to police custody clarified that it was not about supporting the Pakistani cricket team but about inciting violence and hatred against #India which resulted in the #UAPA being registered.… pic.twitter.com/QyVmEGuK3J
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) November 28, 2023
The valley lies near the Line of Control, separating it from the Astore and Neelam districts of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, located in the higher locales of Himalayas, 123 km from Srinagar at about 8,000 ft above sea level. “The project involves around 180 kilometres of 150 mmsq conductor, 1,950 ST Poles, 4 km of underground cabling over vast streches passing over Razdhan Pass situated at a height of 12,672 ft above sea level having most hostile weather conditions and tough terrain and topography,” the senior officials of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited said.
While talking to The New Indian, Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora, Dr Owais Ahmad (IAS) said, “This is indeed a historic achievement of bringing grid-connected electricity to Gurez Sub-Division after years of reliance on Diesel Generators.”
He added that the successful test charging of the connection marks a significant milestone in the development for a brighter future in the Kashmir Valley. “The successful test charging of the 33 kV line on November 26, 2023, marks a significant milestone. This monumental step showcases our commitment to overall development and a brighter future,” he said.
“This achievement reflects the collective efforts of Power Development Department, District Administration, Sub Transmission Division under the overall supervision and support of Government of UT of J&K, and is a testament to our dedication to overcoming challenges in terms of tough terrain & topography, hostile weather conditions, etc. in providing essential services to every corner of our district”, Ahmad said.
He added that efforts are being made to ensure that even the last village of the Gurez Sub Division is connected with sustainable grid connected electricity.
The natives of Gurez are elated with the arrival of grid-connected electricity and are looking forward to a life of more convenience. This would also help them encourage tourism activities in the coming times.
Ishfaq Ahmad who is the owner of Wood Vibes Guest House in Gurez Valley, is one among many hotels and guest house owners who are delighted after the area received grid-connected electricity for the first time in history.
Ahmad said, “The introduction of grid-connected electricity will help the local hotel and guest house owners to allocate an appropriate amount of resources to tackle the growing inflow of tourists in Gurez and also ensure tourist satisfaction. This is a great initiative taken by the Government for sustainable tourism development.”
Ishfaq elaborated on the problems and challenges faced by them with diesel powered generators when they had to rely on traditional methods for their energy requirements. “We had to face a lot of problems in the absence of electricity. We relied on traditional methods for our energy requirements so far. Our problems have been solved now. We can now provide cold storage and other such kinds of electric facilities to our guests and tourists who come to Gurez valley”, the guest house owner said.
Official data reveals that over 35,000 tourists had visited the Gurez Valley in totality till November. Another resident, Tanvir Ahmad of Dawar village said, “Earlier we used to get electricity only for 5-6 hours. Now we will get continuous electricity supply.”
