Ahead of harsh winter, rates of Kangri, Charcoal show a sharp increase in Kupwara 

Arising State Correspondent

Kupwara, Nov 17: With the onset of bone-chilling cold in Kashmir valley, the people in frontier district Kupwara are dismayed over the sharp increase in the rates of  Charcoal and Firepots.

Regionally known as ‘Kangri’, the firepot is one of the most useful heating gadgets used during winter in Kashmir valley. Kangri is the most reliable and viable heating gadget used by Kashmiris particularly during the 40 days long Chil-e-Kalan when Kashmir is mostly cut off from the rest of the world and witnesses frequent power outages.

The residents here in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district expressed shock due to a sharp increase in the prices of items like charcoal and firepots as compared to the past couple of years.

Sumair Sofi a, resident of Kupwara said that there is an unexpected hike in the rates of essential items like Kangri and Charcoal this year.

She said that the sharp increase in the rates has upset the local populace stating that the surge in rates may leave many without the facility during the winter since there is no other alternative for a common man who entirely is dependent on these cheap heating gadgets.

Tabish Hamid, another buyer in the main market Kupwara echoed similar concerns and said that the authorities must swing into action before the harsh winters since there is a handsome population that solely relies on the use of traditional Kangri and charcoal.

He said the Kangri that used to cost Rs 220 or 250 last year now costs over Rs 300 and 400  while the authorities yet haven’t issued a separate rate list for the vital items used for many months.

Despite belonging to a border district Kupwara, where the snow and rains lash the areas very often the rates of heating gadgets like Kangri and Charcoal, in particular, must be low and authorities need to act in this regard, Sameer Ahmad Lone another resident said.

The residents of border district kupwara have urged the authorities to issue an exclusive rate list for the charcoal and Kangris to avoid the overcharging.