Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 20: The city today witnessed several protest demonstrations as residents took to the streets to express their opposition to the installation of smart meters, citing concerns about their ability to afford the increased tariffs based on meter readings.
Protesters from Rajouri Kadal, Wazapora, and Tengpora emerged from their homes and blocked roads, denouncing the unilateral and unnecessary actions of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) in installing the meters.
Ghulam Qadir, a resident of Rajouri Kadal, voiced the frustration of many by stating, “We have been diligently paying our electricity bills, but suddenly they appeared out of nowhere, cutting off the power supply and installing these meters. However, we are not financially capable of paying the tariffs based on meter readings. We are not against the idea, but shouldn’t the authorities consider the people’s ability to pay?”
Riyaz Ahmad, another resident, condemned the move as “sheer injustice” inflicted upon the people. “This is nothing short of high-handedness. We are already grappling with numerous challenges, and this will only make our lives more arduous,” he remarked.
Similar demonstrations unfolded in the Tengpora area, where residents took to the streets, chanting slogans in support of their demands. They vehemently opposed the KPDCL’s decision to install meters and decried the inconsistent power supply experienced in recent days.
“The Government is making us face hardships. We work tirelessly in the private sector to earn our livelihoods, yet the Government fails to consider our hardships. The installation of smart meters is nothing short of a catastrophe for us,” asserted the protesters.
They further lamented the lack of employment opportunities for educated youth while burdening the poor. The demonstrators emphasized the pressing need for authorities to address their grievances and take their concerns into serious consideration.
Follow our WhatsApp channel