Transformer breakdown | 35 households without electricity at Lonepora in Budgam - Greater Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 6: The residents of Lonepora Mazhama in Budgam district have been enduring a harrowing ordeal as they face an agonizing 10 -day blackout due to a dysfunctional transformer.

The Lonemuhalla in Mazhama falls under Beerwah Power Development Department (PDD) sub-division of the Budgam district. According to the locals, the lack of electricity has not only disrupted their daily life but has also raised questions about the efficiency of PDD.They said it has been 10 days now and the area is without electricity here for 10 days ago after the transformer developed some technical snag and was rendered defunct, exacerbating the plight of the residents.

“Ironically, the defunct transformer was lying unattended for a week as PDD official paid no heed to the issue,” said Muhammad Aqib, a local resident. He said the transformer was eventually removed from the spot by PDD officials and transported to a workshop for repairs. “However, five days have elapsed since the transformer was sent for repairs but the area did not get any replacement nor our own transformer has been installed back here. We are in darkness here,” he said.

The delay by the PDD for the restoration of electricity has left the residents frustrated and disillusioned. The affected Muhalla, comprising approximately 35 households, has been plunged into complete darkness, disrupting daily routines and children’s education. “Residents are grappling with the challenges of living without basic amenities during the ongoing winter season,” another local said. The aggrieved residents expressed their grievances, accusing the PDD department of neglecting their concerns.

“We have been pleading for a swift resolution, but our pleas seem to fall on deaf ears. The authorities must understand the hardships we are facing every day here,” the residents said. The residents urged the PDD authorities to expedite the repair process or provide an alternative solution to restore electricity in the area.

Notably, the residents on December 1 of 2023 have registered their complaint on the grievance cell to seek immediate relief from the administration. “The grievance has been forwarded to concerned authorities for action. But we are still without electricity in our area,” the residents said.

Executive Engineer PDD Budgam, Manzoor Ahmad when contacted said the residents were making hue and cry over a normal issue. “Residents can claim anything but we do not delay this much. It must be two or three days since the transformer has been shifted for repairs,” he told Greater Kashmir.

The Executive Engineer however said they do not have a transformer of Lone Muhalla only but they receive a huge number of transformers for repairs. “So the transformers remain in queue for repairs to be done,” he said.