SHOPIAN: The residents of Zainapora subdivision in south Kashmir’s Shopian district have expressed strong resentment against the alleged move by the local MLA to relocate a sanctioned 10 MVA receiving station from its proposed site in Aglar Zainapora to another area.
Locals said that the receiving station has already been sanctioned under the UT CAPEX/RDSS 2025–2026 plan, with Rs 418.72 lakh allocated and Rs 90 lakh already released for the project.
They said that the land for the station has reportedly been identified and formally transferred to the Power Development Department (PDD).
However, the Zainapora area residents allege that the local MLA is now attempting to shift the project location, citing political motives and vote bank considerations.
Dr. Tanveer Hayat, a prominent social activist from Zainapora, said that “this project is a necessity for our area and it was approved after due process and hectic efforts by the locals.”
He said that funds have already been released and shifting it now only reflects personal interest over public welfare and the government should not allow any interference.
Another resident, Mohammad Afzal while expressing anger over the development said that it is a betrayal of public trust. “The entire Zainapora area is suffering due to overloaded transformers and frequent power cuts. We demand that the receiving station be built at the originally approved site without any political interference,” he said.
Locals from Aglar, Shirmal, Heff Chilpora, Sugan, Dragad, Darbagh, Watchi, Safanagri, Melhoora, Wanduna Babapora Awneera, Durpora, Chekh, Chermarg Mujmarg Reshiepora, Zainapora, Sofipora, Hydergund Reban, Khawjapora and other nearby villages said that they won’t bear any political interference and can go any extent if any such attempts will be made further.
They said that any move to alter the project location would invite public protests. They emphasized that the location was chosen on technical and logistical grounds, not political convenience.
It was approved only after repeatedly visiting government offices and properly checking the feasibility and need in the area, they said, adding that if government can sanction one more receiving station in Nagbal-Imamsahib hamlet all people will welcome it, they said
“We are not against development in other areas,” said Javaid Ahmad, a trader from Zainapora. “But you can’t sabotage one region’s project for another area just because of electoral calculations. That’s unethical and unacceptable.”
The residents have appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and top officials of the PDD to ensure the timely execution of the receiving station at Zainapora as planned—(KNO)
