Srinagar, May 19, 2025 – Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, conducted an on-site inspection of the Bemina Power Grid Station on Monday, May 19, to assess damage caused by a powerful windstorm that swept through the Kashmir Valley the previous evening. The storm, with gusts reaching 40–60 mph, disrupted electricity across Srinagar, damaging power infrastructure and leaving thousands of households in the dark. The DC assured residents that complete power restoration would be achieved by 3:00 PM today, with 93% of the city’s electricity already restored.
The windstorm, which struck on Sunday, May 18, caused widespread chaos, uprooting trees, snapping electric lines, and damaging transformers across Srinagar and neighboring districts like Budgam and Baramulla. In Srinagar’s Baghat and Karan Nagar areas, fallen debris and collapsed structures exacerbated power outages. The Bemina Power Grid Station, a critical hub for the city’s electricity supply, faced significant operational challenges, prompting the DC’s visit to oversee restoration efforts.
Accompanied by officials from the Power Development Department (PDD) and the Srinagar district administration, Dr. Bhat reviewed the ongoing repairs and commended the PDD’s swift response. “The administration is working round-the-clock to ensure electricity is restored across Srinagar. We’re targeting full restoration by 3:00 PM today, and teams are addressing all bottlenecks,” he said, as reported by the Srinagar district administration on X. The DC directed officials to maintain high-quality standards and coordinate with other departments to clear debris blocking repair work.
The storm’s impact extended beyond power disruptions, with homes, shops, and public infrastructure damaged across the Kashmir Valley. In Srinagar’s Sonawar area, houses were affected, and a missile-like object reportedly landed in Dal Lake, though authorities are still investigating. The Srinagar administration has mobilized emergency response teams to assist affected residents and clear roads obstructed by fallen trees.
Local sentiment, reflected in posts on X, praised the administration’s proactive approach. “DC Srinagar’s inspection at Bemina shows commitment to quick recovery post-windstorm,” noted a post by KNS Kashmir. Residents, however, expressed frustration over repeated weather-related disruptions, calling for stronger infrastructure to withstand such events.
The restoration efforts come amid a challenging period for Srinagar, following recent cross-border tensions linked to Operation Sindoor and the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The administration’s focus on rapid recovery underscores its commitment to stabilizing essential services. As repair teams work to meet the 3:00 PM deadline, Dr. Bhat’s assurance offers hope to Srinagar’s residents, signaling a return to normalcy after the storm’s disruption.
