Srinagar: Authorities snapped electricity supply in Batamaloo area of Srinagar city after local residents staged a protest against the installation of smart meters on Tuesday.
The protest led to a stand-off between the residents and the Kashmir Power Distribution Company Limited (KPDCL) personnel when locals attemped to stop the installation.
According to local sources, a significant number of people from Ziyarat Batamaloo Sahab took to the streets and prevented KPDCL officials from installing the smart meters in the area.
In response to the protest, electricity supply was disconnected, leaving the residents without power since morning. This is not an isolated incident, as the installation of smart meters has sparked protests across various parts of Srinagar city.
Despite the growing discontent among consumers, the authorities remain steadfast in their decision to install the smart meters.
One of the protesters expressed their frustration, stating that electricity was cut shortly after the protest.
“Many consumers are voicing their concerns over the increased bills generated by smart meters and are demanding alternative billing methods but the govt punishes people with power outages, the protestor said.
Some residents argue that they are willing to pay a fixed amount on a monthly basis but find it difficult to manage the high bills associated with smart meters.
Protesters near the bus stand in Batamaloo accused the government of burdening poverty-stricken individuals with the new technology.
They called for a more balanced approach, suggesting that affluent individuals should be charged based on smart meters, while those living below the poverty line should be exempted from this system.
They believe that the current approach leads to social discrimination.
The protests highlight the growing divide between the government's decision and the public's demands.