Karnah, January 10: The remote border area of Karnah is reeling under a severe power crisis, with residents receiving only 4 hours of electricity in 24 hours. The crisis has triggered protests against the Power Development Department (PDD), as the region's two blocks, Teetwal and Tangdhar, face an 80% reduction in power supply.
The demand for electricity in the winter season rises by 15% annually, but the supply has plummeted. Previously, the Teetwal block was powered by the Pangla Hari Dal hydropower project, which had a functional capacity of 1 MW. However, with the project now non-operational, the block is dependent on the Armpora Grid Station, similar to Tangdhar.
The situation has worsened to such an extent that voltage levels are so low in some villages that residents struggle to determine if their electric bulbs are lit.
The power outage is affecting students who cannot study at night, traders whose businesses rely on electricity, and citizens who are unable to complete essential online services. Meanwhile, the outdated transmission infrastructure and overloaded transformers add to the crisis. Villages with growing populations require upgraded transformers, but many still operate with decades-old equipment, leading to frequent overloading and breakdowns.
Moreover, the shift to an online billing system has left many consumers burdened with arrears, as they lack the resources or knowledge to pay bills online. Residents have urged the PDD to resume delivering bills to homes to alleviate their struggles.
The ongoing crisis has sparked widespread frustration, with locals demanding immediate government intervention to address the power shortage and upgrade the transmission network.