SRINAGAR: Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCIK) strongly condemned the recurring power cuts imposed by the Power Department, which are causing severe disruptions to businesses and hindering economic growth in the UT.
These power outages have not only resulted in significant financial losses but have also raised concerns about the reliability and efficiency of the power infrastructure.
The frequent and prolonged power cuts have created an unfavourable environment for businesses, impacting their day-to-day operations and productivity. Manufacturing units, small businesses, and service providers heavily rely on uninterrupted power supply to meet production targets, maintain critical operations, and serve their customers efficiently. Unfortunately, the inconsistent power supply has disrupted these activities, leading to delays in production schedules, loss of perishable goods, and compromised customer satisfaction.
The CCIK expressed grave concern over the detrimental impact of persistent power cuts on the hotel industry, severely affecting operations, guest satisfaction, and the overall tourism sector. The frequent power cuts has had a devastating effect on hoteliers, as they are unable to provide the expected level of service to their guests, compromising their reputation and customer satisfaction. The hotel industry is a vital pillar of Kashmir’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, revenue, and tourism growth. However, the continuous power outages are undermining these contributions and hindering the potential for future development.
Hotel operations, including essential services such as lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration, and electronic systems, heavily rely on a stable and uninterrupted power supply. The lack of consistent electricity not only affects the comfort and safety of guests but also disrupts back-end operations, reservation systems, and electronic payment processing. These challenges directly impact the financial viability of hotels, causing revenue losses and additional costs incurred in alternative power sources or equipment repairs.
Additionally these power outages have had a crippling effect on the restaurant industry, impacting various aspects of their operations. From food storage and preparation to maintaining a comfortable dining environment, restaurants heavily rely on a consistent and reliable power supply. The lack thereof disrupts kitchen operations, compromises food quality and safety, and diminishes the overall dining experience for customers.
The recent surge in power cuts has caused significant disruptions in marriage functions and patient care, putting the well-being and happiness of individuals at risk. Marriage functions hold great cultural and social significance in Kashmir, and they require meticulous planning and coordination to ensure a memorable experience for all involved. However, the frequent power cuts have thrown these events into disarray, compromising the comfort and enjoyment of guests. The lack of electricity disrupts lighting arrangements, air conditioning, food storage, and various other critical components, leading to inconveniences and dampening the festive atmosphere. Additionally, power cuts pose a grave risk to patients in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
An uninterrupted power supply is vital for the operation of life-saving medical equipment, maintaining stable environments for patients, and ensuring that critical procedures and treatments can be conducted without interruption. Power outages not only compromise ongoing medical interventions but can also lead to life-threatening situations, particularly for patients in critical condition or dependent on life support systems.
Power Department has diverted its focus and resources towards installing meters instead of addressing the pressing issue of electricity provision. In recent times, the Power Department has been preoccupied with meter installation projects, diverting precious time, manpower, money and resources away from the crucial task of ensuring a stable electricity supply for the people during these soaring temperatures. If an uninterrupted power supply is not ensured, the business community will have no choice but come on roads to express their frustration and agony.
CCIK demanded that JKPDCL compensate for the financial losses incurred by the power cuts to the business community.
In conclusion, CCIK requested LG, Manoj Sinha to take prompt action and address the root cause of the issue.