Ganderbal: The J&K administration under LG Manoj Sinha on Friday banned the sale or using heating appliances in central Kashmir Ganderbal district, with netizens criticizing the move and stated that 'only officials who are unaware of the geographical environment of Kashmir can only pass such orders.'
In an order, the DM Ganderbal, who is also the Deputy Commissioner, ordered a ban on the possession, sale, storage and use of heating appliances like blowers, heaters, radiators, etc to avoid any collateral damage to electric supply.
“It has been apprehended that non-judicious use of electric appliances such as blowers, heaters, radiators, etc may cause damage to transmission lines due to heavy load resulting in disturbance in the hassle-free power supply,” the order reads.
“Any violation of this order shall attract punitive action as warranted under relevant laws,” the District Magistrate warned.
However, netizens strongly criticised the order; "Do we issue such orders anywhere in summer belt of the country to not use Air Conditioners during peak summers and make it a criminal offence if not obeyed. It's evident someone who doesn't understand the landscape & geography of the place can only issue such orders," tweeted PDP (PEople's democratic Party) Spokesman Mohit Bhan.
"Is this correct ? World famous tourist destination, Sonmarg is in the same district. Should we tell our visiting tourists not to use AC / heating ? Not talking about the lesser mortals," tweeted RJ Vijdhan.
"Dear fellow citizens, this is where Kashmir is in the 5th year of Amrit Kaal. Night temperature is below freezing point and use of heaters has been criminalised. We have 6 months of snow, rain and frost ahead of us. Are we going to be frozen to death," wrote senior PDP Nayeem Akhtar.