The Kashmir Valley is grappling with a severe power crisis, causing inconvenience to tourists and adversely affecting tourist footfall, prompting concerns about its impact on winter tourism. Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo, President of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, acknowledged that the ongoing power crisis is causing difficulties for tourists. The power shortage in Kashmir has resulted in 4-8 hours of daily power cuts in metered areas and 8-12 hours in non-metered areas, with rural areas experiencing even more significant challenges. Kuthoo highlighted the inconvenience faced by tourists, emphasizing the need for proper heating facilities in hotels and houseboats. Due to the high costs of running generators continuously, hotels are unable to provide 24-hour power supply.
Tourists, coming from warmer regions, are reportedly experiencing discomfort, and the power crisis has led to cancellations and impacted tourist arrivals. Abdul Rasheed, General Secretary of the Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association, cited instances where tourists canceled their stay on a houseboat due to electricity unavailability, contributing to a negative image for the tourism industry. Spokespersons from hotel owner bodies expressed concerns over tourists cutting short their stays and returning home, leading to unfavorable publicity for Kashmir’s tourism. They criticized the authorities for promoting tourism without ensuring a reliable power supply. Fearing the situation may not improve, hotelier bodies warned of potential refusals for fresh bookings if the power crisis persists.
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