The electricity woes are increasing day by day with the approach of winter season in Kashmir and the people face untold sufferings and inconvenience due to the hide and seek of electricity.
With the approach of the winter season the electricity scenario is worse as the people are facing scheduled and unscheduled power cuts thus compounding the woes of the consumers .
The position is same in both the metered and unmetered areas and the people are under the grip of severe power crisis and they feel pain of not having electricity and parting of the excess money for the use of same power.
The Government has without any reason and justification raised electric tariffs without any improvement in the electricity situation.
These days’ consumers in Kashmir are being cheated and deceived by the PDD and the power corporation because they are facing worse electricity crisis as the people have to remain without electricity in normal times as well as in peak hours. One fails to understand as to what is wrong with electricity and why the people are being put to great inconvenience in the absence of the required electricity.
Despite the installation of smart meters in majority of the areas, the power situation has not changed, but is deteriorating with each passing day and putting the innocent consumers to hardships.
There is no one to rescue the consumers from the worse power situation. In summer, hot and humid season, there was some improvement in the power scenario but with the onset of autumn and fast coming winter, the power is conspicuous by its absence as there are scheduled and unscheduled power cuts which are troublesome and inconvenient for the public.
While the PDD and power corporation assured the consumers that there will be improvement in power scenario, but on the ground instead of any improvement, the electricity situation has become worse as the consumers are now subjected to unscheduled power cuts, thus proving the fact that power situation is haywire and consumers are faced with the worse electricity crisis.
In Kashmir, people are facing unprecedented power crisis and there seems no way out from the crisis. Kashmir is plunging into darkness due to the failure of electricity.
The consumers are paying the power tariffs like the honest men but in turn only get the scant power with the result that all the gadgets of ease which run and operate on power cannot be operated in the absence of electricity and thus the people are forced to spend their time without electricity.
One fails to understand as to what for they are paying the inflated electricity bills. On one side the PDD /power development corporation are charging hefty amounts as the power tariff, but on the other side consumers are reeling into power crisis which is a bad experience for the consumers.
A consumer has the right to adequate power but they are provided very scant electricity which is a harrowing experience for the general public. Government has declared Srinagar and Jammu as smart cities which means that the people of these two cities will be provided all the services and civic amenities hassle free, but so far as electricity is concerned, they are not provided electricity uninterruptedly because they face worst power crisis compounding their difficulties in winter season in Kashmir.
As Kashmir is facing electricity shortages and disruptions and this issue has likely influenced the reliance on traditional heating methods like the kangri, especially during the ongoing winter months when the demand for heating is high.
Electricity shortages occur for various reasons, including infrastructure challenges, supply-demand imbalances and maintenance issues. In Kashmir with inconsistent or inadequate electricity supply, people often resort to alternative sources of heating, such as gas, wood, or, in the case of Kashmir, the kangri.
The kangri serves as a portable and reliable source of warmth, and its use becomes particularly crucial during power outages or when the electricity supply is insufficient to meet the heating needs of the population. In such situations, the kangri provides a practical solution for individuals and families to stay warm, especially in rural or less electrified areas.
The use of traditional heating methods, including the kangri, remains prevalent due to both cultural reasons and the practical necessity of having a reliable heating source, especially in the context of electricity shortages.
The kangri is a traditional portable heater used in Kashmir. It is particularly popular during the cold winter months when temperatures can drop significantly. The device consists of a small earthenware pot filled with burning charcoal or hot embers, which is then placed inside a wicker basket.
People in Kashmir, especially in rural areas, use the kangri to keep themselves warm during the harsh winter. It is typically held close to the body, under traditional Kashmiri attire, such as the phiran, a loose-fitting woolen robe. The warmth generated by the kangri helps combat the intense cold and provides comfort during outdoor activities.
The use of kangris is deeply ingrained in the cultural and daily life of the Kashmiri people, and it has been passed down through generations. In addition to its functional purpose, the kangri is also considered a symbol of warmth, hospitality, and solidarity within the community.
Winter in Kashmir is characterized by heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and frozen landscapes. Kashmir is renowned for its picturesque snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and unique winter sports activities. Despite the challenges posed by the harsh weather conditions, Kashmir’s winter also attracts tourists who come to experience its breath-taking beauty and engage in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Kashmir experiences extremely cold temperatures during winter, and the use of the kangri is a traditional and effective way to keep warm. People carry the kangri underneath their traditional clothing, providing a portable source of heat that is especially valuable when moving outdoors.
The kangri is not just a heating device; it carries cultural symbolism. It’s considered a symbol of warmth, comfort, and hospitality. Offering a kangri to guests is a gesture of welcome, and it plays a role in social interactions and community bonding.
The kangri is often used in conjunction with traditional Kashmiri attire, such as the phiran. The phiran is a loose-fitting woollen robe worn by both men and women, and the kangri helps in maintaining warmth in the chilly weather.
The kangri is also associated with certain ceremonies and rituals. For example, during weddings or other important events, the bride and groom may carry a kangri as part of the cultural and traditional practices.
The making of kangris involves traditional craftsmanship. Artisans craft the earthen pot and the wicker basket, showcasing the skilled work of local artisans. This craftsmanship has been passed down through generations.
The production and use of kangris contribute to the local economy. Artisans involved in making kangris and related accessories are an integral part of the economic landscape in Kashmir.
Now the electricity in Kashmir is unreliable, the kangri becomes even more crucial. It provides a dependable source of heat during power outages or shortages.
In summary, the kangri is not merely a practical tool for staying warm; it’s a cultural artifact deeply embedded in the daily lives, traditions, and social fabric of the people of Kashmir. Its use reflects both the climatic challenges of the region and the resilience and adaptability of the Kashmiri people to their unique environment.
In areas with reliable electricity, electric heaters are a common alternative to traditional heating methods. These may include fan heaters, radiant heaters, or oil-filled heaters.
(The author is senior staffer Greater Kashmir)
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