Mirpur: In response to the persistent challenges in electricity management facing Azad Kashmir, a visionary 12-point charter has been proposed by Jammu Kashmir Awami Action Committee’s, aiming to redefine the region’s energy landscape.
Advocating for fairness, accessibility, and local empowerment, this comprehensive plan outlines key initiatives poised to reshape how Azad Kashmir accesses and utilizes its abundant natural resources.
Direct Supply from Mangla Dam:
The charter emphasizes the urgency of directly providing 400 megawatts of electricity from Mangla Dam to Azad Kashmir.
This move aims to secure affordable energy for residents, bypassing convoluted tariff discussions and ensuring a direct and cost-effective power supply.
Constitutional Profits for Azad Kashmir:
Aligning energy policies with constitutional frameworks, the charter underscores Articles 157 and 161, emphasizing that profits from electricity trading should rightfully benefit the Government of Azad Kashmir.
This commitment seeks to instill transparency and fairness in the region’s energy sector.
Local Benefits from Hydroelectric Power:
Highlighting the importance of local empowerment, the charter proposes the separation of electricity generated by local projects from the national grid.
This initiative aims to provide affordable electricity to northern districts, eliminating unjust charges commonly found in electricity bills.
End Unfair Deductions and Adjustments:
Addressing financial concerns, the charter calls for an end to the unjust practice of deducting electricity revenue estimates from the federal grant. Additionally, it advocates for adjusting funds collected under Neelum Jhelum Surchaj into bills, providing tax-free electricity to the people of Azad Kashmir.
Compensation for Water Resources:
Advocating for justice regarding water resources, the charter emphasizes the need for fair compensation.
Historical irrigation benefits enjoyed by other provinces should be recognized, ensuring Azad Kashmir receives its rightful share of economic returns.
Local Approval and Environmental Considerations:
Navigating the unique constitutional status of Azad Kashmir, the charter advocates for local approval and ownership after 25 years for projects like Neelum Jhelum.
This, coupled with comprehensive environmental assessments, aims to ensure responsible and sustainable development.
Preventing Imperialist Exploitation:
Taking a stand against foreign exploitation, the charter suggests implementing water usage charges on foreign hydel generation projects.
This initiative aims to safeguard state sovereignty and prevent unwarranted exploitation by foreign entities.
This initiative aims to safeguard state sovereignty and prevent unwarranted exploitation by foreign entities.
Clarification on Water Use Charges:
Challenging existing terminology used by WAPDA, the charter advocates for local laws and institutions for hydel projects. This ensures that Azad Kashmir’s unique constitutional status is recognized, promoting fairness in the energy sector.
Azad Kashmir’s Share in the Federal Government’s NFC Award:
Focusing on economic equity, the charter emphasizes Azad Kashmir’s rightful share in the federal NFC award. It addresses the adverse effects of the 2019 electricity tariff notification, advocating for fair compensation.
Water for Mirpur City:
Prioritizing essential needs, the charter calls for the provision of drinking water to Mirpur city and agricultural water to Mirpur/Bhambar. This underscores the importance of local communities and their access to vital resources.
Cancel Federal Government Notification:
Taking a proactive approach, the charter calls for the cancellation of the 2019 federal government notification. This ensures Azad Kashmir receives its allotted share and prevents financial losses to DISCOs.
Policy for Resource Protection:
The final point encapsulates the charter’s overarching vision by proposing a comprehensive policy to protect and responsibly utilize minerals, hydel generation, and other natural resources.
This policy seeks to halt the looting of the state’s natural resources, placing them firmly in the service of the public and the state.
In conclusion, the 12-point charter represents a roadmap for a revitalized energy landscape in Azad Kashmir.
By addressing ownership, rights, and fair distribution of electricity, this vision strives to empower the people, uphold constitutional principles, and ensure that the region’s natural resources serve the collective well-being of its residents. Azadi Times eagerly anticipates the positive impact of these initiatives on the future of Azad Kashmir’s energy sector.