Gurez, Bandipora: Several villages in the remote Gurez Valley of north Kashmir have been plunged into prolonged darkness for weeks after the Bandipora–Gurez electricity transmission line was damaged due to heavy snowfall in January, triggering severe hardships for residents amid harsh winter conditions.
Villages including Kanzalwan, Izmarg, Naye Basti, Jalindora, Chuntwari, and several other far-flung habitations continue to face acute problems due to the prolonged power outage. Locals allege that despite repeated appeals, electricity has not been restored in many areas, worsening the daily struggles of people living in this border region.
According to local sources, the entire Gurez Valley had slipped into darkness after the snowfall damaged the power infrastructure weeks ago. While electricity supply was restored in parts of main Gurez after two days, several outlying villages remain without power, leaving residents to fend for themselves in sub-zero temperatures.
Residents said the situation is particularly grim for students, who are among the worst affected. “Most households here do not have diesel-run generators, and even arranging diesel in these border areas is extremely difficult,” locals said. “Children preparing for exams are unable to study after sunset, which is seriously affecting their education.”
The prolonged outage has also disrupted essential daily activities, including heating, cooking, communication, and access to information. Mobile phones remain uncharged for days, and people are cut off from the outside world once darkness falls.
Elderly residents and women have also expressed concern over health and safety issues, stating that lack of electricity during peak winter months poses serious risks, especially during medical emergencies.
Locals further alleged that while assurances were given by concerned departments, ground-level restoration work in far-flung villages has been slow or non-existent. They demanded immediate intervention by the Power Development Department (PDD) and district administration to restore electricity across the entire Gurez Valley without further delay.
“We are citizens of this country and deserve basic facilities,” a local resident said. “Restoring electricity is not a luxury here—it is a necessity for survival during winter.”
The residents have urged the authorities to deploy special teams, helicopters if required, and emergency resources to repair damaged lines and ensure uninterrupted power supply, particularly in remote and border villages.
Valley Online News – Editorial Thought:
The prolonged darkness in Gurez highlights the recurring vulnerability of border and high-altitude regions during winter months. While restoring power in main towns is important, neglecting far-flung villages deepens regional inequality and fuels public distress. Authorities must adopt a proactive winter preparedness plan for areas like Gurez, including underground cabling, alternative power sources, and faster emergency response mechanisms. Ensuring uninterrupted electricity in such regions is not merely about infrastructure—it is about dignity, education, and basic human security.
— Valley Online News
