SRINAGAR, November8,2026: Residents of Hillpati village in the Gund area of Ganderbal district have urged the authorities to urgently replace damaged electric poles and deteriorating wires, warning that the ageing electricity infrastructure poses safety risks and causes frequent power disruptions, particularly during snowfall and harsh winter conditions.
The villagers said several wooden electric poles, some reportedly around 25 years old, were in a dilapidated condition and required immediate replacement. They alleged that the lack of timely maintenance had forced residents to make arrangements themselves to keep electricity connections operational.
According to the residents, some villagers had installed electric poles at their own expense, while others had purchased wires from local shops to maintain the supply. They said such arrangements were temporary and could not replace a proper, safe and reliable electricity distribution network.
Snowfall Leaves Village Without Electricity for Days
Fareed Ahmed Bijran, a resident of Hillpati, said electricity wires frequently break during snowfall, leaving the village without power for periods ranging from five to eight days.
“We have repeatedly raised the issue, but no one listened to us. We want proper poles and wires and a reliable power supply,” Bijran said.
Residents expressed concern that prolonged power outages during winter compound the difficulties faced by rural households. They called for timely repairs and preventive maintenance before severe weather conditions further damage the already weakened infrastructure.
The villagers also alleged that when electricity lines are damaged and the department does not respond promptly, they are left to repair the wires themselves to restore the supply.
Safety Concerns and Unscheduled Power Cuts
Apart from the deteriorating poles and wires, residents raised concerns over unscheduled power cuts, saying repeated interruptions have affected their daily lives and added to their hardships during adverse weather conditions.
They stressed that ageing wooden poles and damaged electrical lines require a comprehensive technical assessment to prevent further breakdowns and minimise potential safety hazards.
The residents also said they had approached the authorities on several occasions, including requesting electricity infrastructure near the local school. However, they maintained that their grievances remained unresolved.
They appealed to the concerned authorities to prioritise Hillpati in infrastructure improvement programmes and ensure that essential electricity services are not disrupted for extended periods during winter.
Electricity Department Promises Inspection
Responding to the complaints, an official said a Junior Engineer would visit the village to inspect the existing service lines and identify deficiencies requiring corrective measures.
The official stated that appropriate action would be taken wherever necessary following the inspection.
The official also said a programme under the Saksham scheme had been proposed to address the issues and provide relief to residents. Additionally, works under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) were expected to help improve electricity distribution infrastructure.
The proposed inspection is expected to assess the condition of the service lines and help determine the measures needed to address the village’s electricity-related problems.
Power Curtailment Schedule Linked to Feeder Losses
Clarifying the power curtailment schedule, the official said electricity restrictions were determined on the basis of aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses recorded on individual feeders.
The official reiterated that the department would examine Hillpati’s service lines and address the problems identified during the visit.
However, residents are looking for concrete action on the ground, including the replacement of unsafe poles, installation of suitable wires and improvement in maintenance arrangements.
Villagers Seek Lasting Solution Before Winter Intensifies
With winter conditions posing additional challenges for electricity infrastructure in the region, Hillpati residents have renewed their demand for a time-bound solution.
They said temporary repairs and arrangements made by villagers could not provide a permanent answer to the problem. They want the concerned department to upgrade the ageing network, ensure regular inspections and respond promptly whenever faults occur.
The residents hope that the proposed inspection and infrastructure improvement measures will translate into tangible relief, allowing households to receive a safer and more dependable electricity supply throughout the winter.
For Hillpati’s residents, the demand is straightforward: replace unsafe electric poles, repair damaged wires and ensure that snowfall does not leave the village without electricity for days at a time.
