STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: To discuss worrisome situation arisen due to unscheduled power-cuts and water crises in Jammu, a team of Congress activists led by former Minister J&K and senior leader, Yogesh Sawhney called on Chief Engineer, Distribution, JPDCL Jammu, A K Sachdeva on Monday.
While interacting with the officer, Sawhney said that Jammu is passing through crises of power-outage and water shortage across the city. Due to COVID, people are homebound and many patients are dependent on oxygen concentrators and medical equipments. Shopkeepers and small businessmen are also bearing losses due to power outages. Further, unregulated power cuts and water scarcity are escalating problems, said Sawhney, adding that there is an immense need for coordination between Power Development Department and PHE Department for efficient working of system.
“Recent happenings have brought out a lot of flaws in infrastructure. COVID patients, who are receiving medical treatment at home, were put at risk. Families were forced to endure the scorching heat of this weather and some were forced to find alternate arrangements like generators to keep their family members safe and healthy. The small businessmen, as is also seen on social media these days, are suffering losses as products are damaged due to electricity cuts. The pandemic had already hit this class very hard as they had to stay closed for months during lockdown,” he added.
Sawhney was accompanied by senior Congress leaders including Vice President DCC Dr Ramakanth Khajuria, Corporator Rajinder Singh and Secretary PCC Sanjeev Sharma and Janak Raj.
Speaking further, Sawhney said that Congress delegation discussed several challenges that people are facing currently due to power related issues and their possible remedies. The Chief Engineer said that he is reviewing the matter and immediate steps have been taken to give people relief from power outages and other related problems.
On water crisis, Sawhney said that water is an essential commodity and it’s shocking that we are facing such times, as administration is unable to provide adequate water supply to people. “Clearly, the system is fragile and unable to cater to growing needs of city. There is an urgent need to resolve the issue on war-footing,” he added.