HATTIAN BALA (Kashmir English): A transformer worth Rs32 crore has been reinstated at the Hattian Bala grid station after an investigative report by Kashmir Digital exposed potential corruption in its handling.
The transformer worth Rs 32 crore was brought to the Hattian Bala grid station in September 2024, but from the beginning, the transformer has had technical faults, due to which it has never been installed.
After the faults in the transformer were confirmed, the concerned authorities sent the transformer for repair in Lahore, the provincial capital of Pakistan.
Whereas the concerned institutions had assured that this transformer would be reinstalled at the grid station by April 15, 2025, however, even after a month and a half, the transformer could not be returned.
The Kashmir Digital representative then drew public attention to the matter and revealed that authorities are trying to hide the transformer, accusing the institutions of corruption.
As soon as this report came to light, the concerned departments took immediate notice, and a few days later, the transformer was again transported to the Hattian Bala grid station.
The public and civil society have appreciated this journalistic initiative and have demanded that not only a full inquiry be conducted into this incident, but also transparency be ensured in all such matters so that the national exchequer can be protected from loss.
This incident is yet another reminder of how responsible journalism and public voice can play an important role in holding government institutions accountable.
