Srinagar, Nov 21: Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) has strongly condemned the emergence of unscheduled and daylong power cuts in major commercial hubs of Srinagar including Downtown, Karan Nagar, Munawarabad and several adjoining business localities.
These areas host thousands of shops, offices and commercial establishments which are facing tremendous disruption due to abrupt and extended outage spells.
KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan said that the Federation has been inundated with distress calls from traders and business owners reporting severe operational challenges because of frequent and unannounced power shutdowns. “When the business community has been regularly paying its electricity dues and complying with all norms, these arbitrary and unnotified power cuts are completely unjustified. They cripple trade activities, reduce customer turnout, damage sensitive electrical equipment and result in unbearable financial losses,” Khan said.
In addition to the power crisis, KTMF expressed strong objection to the proposed peak-hour power surcharge calling it unfair, illogical and unacceptable in the current circumstances. “It is baffling that instead of improving supply and ensuring reliability, authorities are contemplating imposing additional peak-hour charges on already burdened traders. How can there be a peak-hour surcharge when there is no certainty of power supply to begin with?” Khan questioned.
KTMF urged KPDCL to immediately address these serious concerns by ensuring a transparent, fair and uninterrupted power schedule for commercial sectors. The business community forms the backbone of Kashmir’s economy and such decisions if left unchecked will further destabilize the already fragile economic atmosphere.
KTMF also demanded that any proposal related to power tariff hikes or surcharges must involve proper consultation with stakeholders, including the trade community, before implementation.
