Srinagar : In a monumental and transformative event, the long-isolated villages of Kundiyan and Patroo, nestled in the border town of Keran within the Kupwara district, are now basking in the glow of electricity for the very first time in their 77-year history since gaining independence. With a population of 1300, primarily composed of tribal communities, these villages had grappled for decades with the absence of electricity, relying on traditional methods such as wood for cooking and candles or lamps for illumination in their homes. The groundbreaking achievement was made possible through the completion of two 250 KV Sub Stations (33 kV/440 volts) under the Samirdh Seema Yojan (SSY) initiative by the KPDCL Electric Division, Kupwara. Remarkably, the electrification project was executed with unprecedented efficiency, taking merely two months to bring an end to the prolonged wait for power. Shahid Ahmad, a resident, joyously expressed, “Now our homes are lit with electric bulbs. We were facing grave problems due to the non-availability of electricity.” The driving force behind this historic accomplishment was Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ayushi Sudan of Kupwara, who played a pivotal role in turning this dream into reality.
Working alongside her dedicated team, she ensured the expeditious completion of the electrification project, earning widespread appreciation from the ecstatic villagers. Shabir Ahmad, a resident of Kundiyan, commended the collaborative efforts involving officers, line men of the Power Development Department (PDD), local PRIs, and the concerned contractor. During her visit to Patroo and Kundiyan, the DC congratulated the residents and underscored that this achievement was the result of collective efforts, extending from officers to line men of the Power Development Department (PDD), local Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and the dedicated contractor. The joy of the villagers was palpable as they gathered to welcome the Deputy Commissioner, expressing their happiness through enthusiastic shouts upon witnessing the electrification of their homes. This significant development not only addresses their immediate needs but also holds promise for a brighter and more prosperous future. DC Ayushi Sudan also shared additional plans for the region’s development, announcing that the road stretch from Dutt Bridge to Keran has been entrusted to Beacon, with construction set to commence shortly. Furthermore, she highlighted plans to ensure BSNL mobile network coverage for all villages in Keran by the end of the year, with contributions from Airtel and Jio expected to enhance cell phone connectivity in the area. Mohammad Syed Khoja, Chairperson of the Block Development Council (BDC) in Keran, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the District Administration, lauding their tireless efforts in electrifying the villages within an exceptionally short span. Khoja emphasized the transformative impact of this achievement, stating, “For the residents here, it is like a dream come true. Now our children will study under electric lights and perform well.” The twin villages of Kupwara, having endured 77 years without electricity, are now witnessing the dawn of a new era marked by progress and empowerment. This accomplishment stands as a significant and historic chapter in their collective history, promising a brighter and more illuminated future for the generations to come.
