Feb 21: MLA Kishtwar Shagun Parihar today inaugurated a newly constructed grid station in the Saroor area of Block Drabshalla, marking a significant milestone in strengthening power infrastructure in the region.
The project brings long-awaited relief to residents who have been grappling with frequent power cuts and voltage fluctuations for years. With the commissioning of the new grid station, authorities expect a stable and uninterrupted electricity supply that will positively impact households, businesses and public services.
Addressing Persistent Power Issues
Saroor and adjoining villages in Block Drabshalla have faced recurring electricity disruptions, especially during peak demand seasons. Residents often complained about prolonged outages that disrupted daily routines, affected students’ studies and hampered small business operations.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ms Parihar said the new grid station has been established to address these persistent challenges and to ensure reliable power distribution across the area. She emphasised that strengthening basic infrastructure remains a top priority for sustainable development in Kishtwar district.
Boost to Daily Life and Local Economy
Stable electricity supply is considered a cornerstone of modern development. The operationalisation of the grid station is expected to significantly improve quality of life for residents by ensuring uninterrupted power for lighting, heating, water supply systems and other essential services.
Local businesses, including shops, workshops and small manufacturing units, are also likely to benefit from the improved power infrastructure. Reliable electricity reduces operational costs associated with alternative power sources and enhances productivity.
The MLA highlighted that improved power availability will support economic growth and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship in rural and semi-urban areas.
Focus on Development in Kishtwar
Located in the mountainous district of Kishtwar, Block Drabshalla has been witnessing gradual infrastructure upgrades in recent years. However, electricity supply remained a major concern for residents.
Ms Parihar reaffirmed her commitment to addressing essential service gaps and accelerating overall development in the region. She stated that the government is focused on delivering tangible improvements in sectors such as power, roads, healthcare and education.
The MLA also acknowledged the cooperation of local residents and officials in completing the project, noting that community participation plays a vital role in successful implementation of development initiatives.
Strengthening Rural Infrastructure
The commissioning of the Saroor grid station is part of broader efforts to modernise power infrastructure in remote and hilly areas of Jammu & Kashmir. Reliable electricity is essential not only for residential use but also for agricultural activities, digital connectivity and public institutions.
Officials indicated that the grid station will help streamline load management and reduce dependency on distant substations. Enhanced distribution capacity is expected to minimise technical faults and improve voltage stability.
Commitment to Essential Services
During her address, Ms Parihar reiterated that improving essential services remains central to her developmental agenda. She assured residents that more projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure and public facilities would be taken up in the coming months.
She emphasised that development must reach every village and household, particularly in geographically challenging regions like Kishtwar. Ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply, she said, is a crucial step toward achieving that goal.
Positive Response from Residents
Residents of Saroor and nearby areas welcomed the inauguration of the grid station, expressing hope that the chronic issue of power cuts will now be resolved. Many described the project as a long-awaited intervention that will bring stability and convenience to their daily lives.
With the new grid station now operational, the focus will shift to maintaining efficient functioning and ensuring that the benefits are sustained over time.
