(Waadi Mai Barf Aur Bijlee Aek Saath)
The silent hum of transformers in snow-covered villages, the distant glow of streetlights in remote hamlets—these are not mere conveniences; they are symbols of a region embracing change.
Israar Shahid
I remember being a 10- or 12-year-old when a common belief dominated our winters—once the snow arrived, electricity would disappear. Back then, I would listen to the elders say, “Taaran gov sreh, wennieeini power” (The wires got wet; now, there won’t be electricity). The absence of power wasn’t just an inconvenience; it brought along a cascade of other struggles. Late-night study sessions were unheard of, as we relied on old kerosene lanterns for light. Phones and electric devices weren’t as prevalent as they are today, and inverters were a luxury, especially in rural areas. The only sources of warmth were our traditional kangri and the hamams in mosques. In short, a power cut in Kashmiri winters wasn’t just about darkness—it disrupted life in more ways than one.But today, things have changed. The valley is moving forward, and for the first time, people are witnessing something they once thought impossible—snowfall and electricity together.
Over the past two to three years, we have witnessed a decline in snowfall due to climate change, leading to precipitation at unexpected times. However, what stands out the most is that the once-familiar culture of prolonged power cuts during winters is gradually fading. Even in the highest terrains like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam—where snowfall is significantly heavier than in the plains—electricity supply has remained largely uninterrupted. This is nothing short of a dream come true for the people of Kashmir. More remarkably, remote border areas like Gurez, Tangdhar, Machhil, and Keran, which once struggled to get electricity even in summers, now enjoy a more stable power supply during winters. A resident of Teetwal, while speaking to me, expressed his astonishment: “It was once a dream for us to see a light bulb glow in summers, let alone in the harsh winter months.”It is true that during winter, hydroelectric projects in Kashmir struggle to generate sufficient electricity as water bodies freeze, significantly reducing output. Collectively, all power projects in J&K generate around 1000 MW during winters, while the demand remains much higher. To bridge this gap, the Lieutenant Governor’s Administration has signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with the NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation), NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation), and a 70-MW deal with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL). These measures have significantly improved the power situation in the region.Coming from a rural area myself, I won’t claim that we have uninterrupted 24-hour electricity, but at least now, we see scheduled power cuts rather than complete blackouts. Instead of vanishing for weeks at a stretch, electricity follows a manageable schedule, with cuts lasting for about two hours at a time—an undeniable step toward progress. However, while government efforts have played a major role in improving the situation, I believe the public also bears responsibility for certain issues, which I will highlight next.
As it is often said, humans are the greediest creatures on Earth. During winters, our electricity consumption skyrockets as people rely heavily on high-coiled boilers, blowers, and other heating appliances. I am not against their use—after all, they are essential for surviving the harsh cold—but there needs to be a more responsible approach. If every household ensures that only one heating appliance is used at a time, the overall strain on the power grid can be significantly reduced.
Beyond excessive consumption, another major issue is non-payment of electricity bills. I have personally seen people who haven’t cleared their dues for over a decade, and now that the amount has accumulated to ₹2-3 lakh, they conveniently claim that the bills are inflated. The reality, however, is that Jammu & Kashmir has the lowest electricity tariff in the country—only ₹4 per unit—whereas in many other states, the rate is nearly double, at ₹8 per unit. Despite this, people evade payments and then expect an uninterrupted power supply.Amidst all this, I must extend my deep appreciation to the ground workers of the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) who, despite heavy snowfall and extreme conditions, leave the comfort of their homes to restore and maintain electricity for all of us. Their dedication and hard work often go unnoticed, but they are the real heroes ensuring that the valley stays lit even in the darkest, coldest months.
Winters in Kashmir have always been more than just a season; they have been a test of endurance. For generations, people measured the severity of winter not just by the depth of snow but by the number of hours spent in darkness. A single lit bulb on a snowy evening was once a luxury—now, it is becoming a norm.This shift is not just about electricity; it is about breaking old perceptions. It signals a Kashmir that refuses to remain stuck in outdated systems, a valley where modernization and development are no longer distant dreams but everyday realities. The silent hum of transformers in snow-covered villages, the distant glow of streetlights in remote hamlets—these are not mere conveniences; they are symbols of a region embracing change.Yet, progress is never one-sided. The real challenge lies ahead—not just in maintaining this improvement but in ensuring that we, as responsible citizens, contribute to it. Electricity is no longer a privilege; it is a right that comes with duties. How we use it, how we pay for it, and how we value the efforts behind it will decide whether this transformation sustains or fades away with time.To capture this evolving reality, I am attaching a few pictures taken during the snowfall—each one a quiet attestation to a Kashmir that is moving forward, where the contrast of white snow and glowing lights tells a story of resilience and change.
The Writer is a student activist and can be reached at [email protected]
