In such a time and space of modern technology and power, many villages in Kashmir continue to sustain themselves with the energy derived out of wood and the other natural resources present in the surroundings. The country at the same time runs on high-powered electricity. After years of efforts, one more village in the Kashmir valley finally lights up.

Electricity is now a basic amenity that's much required in every household. After some 70-75 years of Independence, if we still find a case where network and connectivity have no presence around that's calls for a serious concern.

The village that earlier ran on energy generated by wood now caters the energy source with the help of a transformer stand that stands tall generating electricity to over 60 homes. Fayaz Ahmad Sofi, Technical Officer of the Power Development Department, conveyed that a transformer with 38 High Tension Lines and 57 LT Poles have now been installed in the Tethan village to ensure connectivity within the village.

The Tethan village is located on the hills of Anantnag which is 90 kms away from Srinagar. The villages comprises about 35-40 families, mostly Gujjars and Bakerwals. With no electricity supply, the villagers entirely relied on either traditional wood or used lamps and candlelight. They had to face severe problems in winters whenever heavy snowfall occured. They were not able to charge their mobile phones properly. They had to travel a few kilometres on snow-laden roads to charge their mobiles so as to connect with their dear ones.

The village has now been illuminated by electricity under a centrally-sponsored Development Package scheme due to the relentless efforts of the Department of Electricity and the District Administration. The electrification has been done under the Pradhan Mantri 'Har Ghar Bijli Yojana'. The programme was launched in 2019.

Bringing electricity to this village was no cakewalk. Multiple issues cropped up while electricity lines were attempted to connect into the village. But the hard work paid off. It was only due to the collective efforts of the people that the administration was forced to meet the power requirements. Seeing the village getting illuminated, many residents broke into joy and celebrated the moment. They are happy that their children will study under light now. The arrival of electricity also puts a full stop to a variety of problems that were faced by villagers on a daily basis. It is like a dream coming to reality. 'The previous generations of the place could not see the miracle of electrification,' remarked an old resident of the village.

Anyway, problems aside. As the lightbulbs did light up so ended the decade of darkness in the village.

.    .    .

References:

• thelogicalindian.com
• newsindianexpress