Srinagar, Mar 19: Residents of the Press Colony, home to many journalists and newspaper offices, are expressing growing frustration over recurring power outages that are disrupting daily operations and affecting media work. Journalists and newspaper owners claim that the frequent electricity cuts have become a major hurdle in meeting deadlines, publishing timely news, and maintaining smooth office operations.

According to local media professionals, the outages often occur during peak working hours, forcing staff to rely on costly backup generators. “We are already working under tight schedules, and the frequent power cuts only add to the pressure,” said a senior journalist at a prominent Srinagar daily. “It affects our ability to file stories on time, and it also impacts printing, especially for newspapers that rely on manual presses.”
Several newspaper owners echoed similar concerns, stating that the financial burden of running generators and maintaining uninterrupted power is rising sharply. “The repeated disruptions are not only affecting workflow but also increasing operational costs,” said one publisher. “We urge the authorities to provide a permanent solution to ensure continuous power supply.”
Local residents in the Press Colony also reported that the outages are sometimes prolonged for several hours, leaving offices and homes without electricity. Many expressed disappointment over the lack of prior notice from the power department, which makes planning for work or essential activities nearly impossible.
Officials from the Srinagar Electricity Department acknowledged the complaints but attributed the disruptions to ongoing maintenance work and unforeseen technical issues in the grid. They assured that steps are being taken to stabilize the power supply and reduce the frequency of outages in the colony.
Despite these assurances, media professionals stress that a more proactive approach is needed. “Journalists play a key role in keeping the public informed, especially during crises,” said a senior reporter. “Consistent power supply is not just about convenience—it is critical for the functioning of the press.”
As the Press Colony continues to grapple with these recurring outages, residents and media workers hope that authorities will take swift measures to address the issue, ensuring that both daily life and news reporting are not adversely affected.