Srinagar, November 16: The traders of Maharaja Bazar and Sarai Bala, one of the busiest markets of Srinagar, have slammed Power Development Department (PDD) for resorting to power curtailment during peak hours of their business everyday.
The traders said that the PDD curtails power supply for one-and-a-half hours everyday from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. "We pay high amount of power tariff and are metered but shockingly the department ensures everyday to curtail our electricity from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. This despite of the fact that these hours comprise peak business hours," they said.
The traders said they witness highest rush of shoppers after 4:30 pm but non-availability of electricity severely affects their business. "All government and private offices close after 4 pm and people then rush for shopping but PDD ensures darkness in entire Maharaja Bazar, and Sarai Bala" they said.
The Maharaja Bazar and Sarai Bala traders have urged higher ups in State Government to get them rid of power curtailment during peak business hours so that their livelihood isn't affected.(GNS)