Need improved power supply during Chillai Kalan : SBSP State President

Srinagar, Dec 21: Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) Jammu and Kashmir State President Vivek Bali has expressed concern over frequent and unscheduled power cuts across various parts of J&K, stating that the situation has become life-threatening for oxygen-dependent patients and elderly citizens during the harsh winter spell of Chillai Kalan.

In a statement issued here, Vivek Bali said that repeated power outages without prior notice have caused immense hardship, particularly to patients who rely on oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and other life-saving medical equipment that operate on electricity.

He emphasized that such disruptions go far beyond inconvenience. “Unscheduled power cuts are a direct threat to human lives, especially for critically ill and oxygen-dependent patients. During peak winter, electricity becomes a matter of survival,” Bali said.

He further noted that despite repeated assurances from the Power Development Department (PDD) about scheduled electricity supply, the ground situation reflects poor coordination and a lack of accountability. According to him, residents are often left helpless during late-night outages, with no timely information or alternative arrangements in place.