Power development is a priority for Jammu and Kashmir as it can serve as an engine to promote the economic and social development of the state.

The state possesses immense potential for development of this sector and the government has taken several initiatives to bring about a transformation.

Recently, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated a new 220/132 KV Grid Station of 320 MVA capacity at Mirbazar in Anantnag district, constructed at a cost of Rs.71crore.

“Our efforts are aimed at generating four to five thousand mega watts of electricity in the coming seven to eight years, so that we can achieve our goal of supplying electricity for 24 hours to every household in the state,” said Abdullah.

The project in South Kashmir, which is the third of its kind in the valley, would help augment and streamline power transmission, besides improving voltage capacity. It will benefi t about 15 lakh people in Anantnag and Kulgam districts.

The project will also complete the ring of 220 KV lines from Alstaing to Mir Bazar and Wagura to Mir Bazar in the Kashmir Valley. It will also strengthen the existing grid stations at Pampore and Zaina kote near Srinagar.

People living in Anantnag and Kulgam districts have complained of facing problems related to electricity during winters, while residents of Srinagar have faced low voltage problems.

“Now, the situation will improve with the inauguration of this new power grid station. This will not only benefi t South Kashmir, but also other regions such as Pampore. Now, we would not have to face the problems of load-shedding during the winters,” said Zulfi kar Ahmad, a businessman.

The commissioning of the grid station will strengthen the transmission and distribution system, giving considerable relief to the people.

“This will benefit not only our district, but the adjoining four districts in South Kashmir. Earlier, we faced problems, but now, this will change. People are happy,”said Manzoor Ahmad, a resident of the area.

The state government has flagged power sector development as an area requiring attention and in this regard, a well thought strategy has been put in place to achieve the target of enhancing power generation and improving the transmission system.