A government’s credibility is tested not in moments of celebration but in moments of crisis—when essential public services such as water and electricity become uncertain, erratic, or completely unavailable. In Jammu and Kashmir today, large sections of the population find themselves struggling for basic amenities during the harshest months of winter. This is not merely an administrative lapse; it is an indictment of governance itself.
Electricity and drinking water are the backbone of modern life. When citizens are deprived of these essential services, it signals deeper structural failures—failures of planning, monitoring, coordination, and accountability. No government can claim success while homes remain dark and taps run dry. Unfortunately, the growing public anguish reflects exactly this reality.
The ongoing power crisis, with prolonged outages across Kashmir and parts of Jammu, reveals how little preparedness the administration has shown despite clear warnings of winter stress. People were promised reliable power supply and even “free units”, yet instead they face tariff hikes, extended cuts, and an unpredictable grid. When temperature drops below freezing and electricity becomes a luxury, it is not difficult to understand the resentment brewing among ordinary citizens. A government that cannot secure uninterrupted power in critical seasons raises a serious question about priorities and competence.
The water crisis in Jammu is equally alarming. Several flood-affected belts have gone weeks without drinking water. The Jal Jeevan Mission, advertised as a transformative achievement, has not translated into functioning supply lines for many households. Even the much-publicized tanker system has proven ineffective for tribal communities who lack digital access, making the service practically out of their reach. When taps remain dry for weeks, slogans about “last-mile delivery” lose all credibility.
The most distressing aspect, however, is the administration’s indifference. Instead of urgent action and strategic intervention, the public sees shifting blame, bureaucratic reshuffles, and superficial announcements. Frequent transfers of officers ensure that no one remains in one place long enough to understand ground realities, let alone solve them. Stability in administration is foundational for effective delivery, and its absence is one of the core reasons behind the current collapse in essential services.
Even more telling is the comparison drawn by citizens themselves. Many recall a time not long ago when water supply in the Kandi belt was daily and reliable. Today, under the present government, some areas receive water only once a month. Such stark decline cannot be dismissed as seasonal fluctuation—it is systemic negligence.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah must recognise that these crises cannot be delegated or handled with routine bureaucratic responses. They demand personal attention, swift intervention, and a comprehensive winter-preparedness strategy to ensure that citizens do not suffer needlessly. A government that fails to safeguard essential services during the most difficult months risks eroding public trust beyond repair.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve more than speeches and promises—they deserve dignity, stability, and basic utilities delivered consistently. It is time for the administration to rise above political distractions and focus on its primary duty: ensuring that no citizen is left struggling for water, electricity, or other essential services during the harsh winter ahead.
