Power crisis in Kashmir border town Drass

The border town of Drass, in Jammu and Kashmirs Kargil District, is in the throes of a severe electricity crisis, with villagers receiving just three hours of electricity every-day.

By Parvez Butt

Drass (Jammu and Kashmir), July 30 : The border town of Drass, in Jammu and Kashmir's Kargil District, is in the throes of a severe electricity crisis, with villagers receiving just three hours of electricity every-day.

Though the town is strategically important for security forces, the region experiences an acute power shortage, forcing villagers to use candle and lanterns. Shops and business establishments down shutters by the evening because of poor power availability.

"We can't use a fridge or a cooler during the summer. Our children are unable to study at night in the absence of electricity," said Ghulam Mohammad, a resident.

Saleem, another resident, added: "We cannot think of buying a computer, or having an internet, because they cannot operate without electricity. We are unable to listen to the news on our television sets."

The State Government has claimed that it is trying its best to rectify the situation.

Jammu and Kashmir Power Minister Rigzin Zora said: "We get four hours electricity supply in the whole of Ladakh and that is because there is no electricity project."

Zora further said that electricity is being provided through diesel generating sets.He said the government is in the process of making power stations operational to end the woes of Drass residents.

ANI