CTTIK raises power supply concerns with JPDCL MD in Katra

Katra, Jan 30: The President of the Chamber of Tourism Trade and Industry Katra (CTTIK) , Raj Kumar Padha along with Vice President Susheel Dubey and Secretary Atul Sharma on Friday met Gurpal Singh IAS, Managing Director Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) at his office chambers and discussed key issues concerning power supply to the holy town of Katra.

During the meeting the CTTIK delegation, as per a statement, emphasised that Katra serves as the gateway to the revered shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and represents the overall image of Jammu & Kashmir before millions of pilgrims visiting the region every year. They stressed that it is the collective responsibility of local stakeholders and JPDCL to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Vaishno Devi Yatra so that pilgrims carry exceptional and memorable experiences with them.

On behalf of the Chamber the delegation drew the Managing Director’s attention to the critical importance of reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply for the hospitality and tourism sector in Katra. They highlighted that electricity for the hospitality industry is akin to blood in the human body as hotels, guest houses, restaurants, Dharamshalas and other tourism establishments operate round the clock to cater to pilgrims. Any disruption in power supply directly affects pilgrim comfort, public safety, hygiene standards, and the overall reputation of the destination. In this context, CTTIK earnestly requested JPDCL to ensure a 24×7 uninterrupted power supply to the hospitality sector in Katra.

The delegation further pointed out that Katra receives nearly one crore pilgrims annually making it one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in the country. This continuous inflow places substantial demand on the power distribution infrastructure. While acknowledging and appreciating the progressive reforms undertaken by JPDCL including the implementation of the smart metering system for a majority of electric connections in Katra, the Chamber highlighted the financial pressures faced by tourism stakeholders during this transition.

In view of these challenges CTTIK requested the introduction of a Power Amnesty Scheme for commercial power consumers particularly for the hospitality sector on the lines of the amnesty scheme earlier granted to domestic consumers. The Chamber stated that such a measure would provide much-needed relief to businesses coping with smart metering adjustments, high energy costs, and seasonal fluctuations in pilgrim inflow.

The CTTIK leadership expressed confidence that under the dynamic leadership of Gurpal Singh IAS, MD JPDCL would continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening infrastructure that supports tourism and pilgrimage in Jammu . The Chamber assured its fullest cooperation and expressed hope for a sympathetic and positive consideration of its genuine concerns.