SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: The installation of smart electricity meters in Kashmir is being criticized by people, as they believe that the practice is futile until the old wires and wooden poles are replaced. Even JKPDD is busy installing smart meters in Srinagar district, but at ground level, it is clear that even after passage of seven decades, Kashmir’s power infrastructure continues to remain far behind in comparison to other parts of the country. Power breakdowns occur frequently in the Valley during harsh winters and gusty winds in summers, thereby belying tall claims of department that efforts are on to improve power infrastructure. Moreover, majority of high tension and low tension (HT<) lines in Srinagar can be seen hanging, almost touching the ground and houses.
Locals have also complained that at many places in old city, Power department hasn’t even replaced wooden electric poles and old wires, which is posing a great threat. “Power department makes tall claims about improving power infrastructure but on ground nothing concrete has been done. Government claims that smart metering is must to prevent theft, but how can smart meters help when the infrastructure is seven decades old. What has changed, we believe nothing. Look at the way wires are hanging near transformers,” alleged locals, adding, “We oppose installation of smart meters only because we are not getting proper electricity as well as infrastructure is not as good as it should be. Srinagar, the capital city is lacking sufficient power supply despite claims made by power department.”
Locals further demanded that, government should lay underground cables inside of keeping HT/LT lines hanging as the same pose a great risk to life and property. In congested areas of Srinagar, like Lal Bazar, Bota Kadal, Umer Colony, Hari Singh High Street, Sarai Bala area of Lal Chowk, downtown area of Barbarshah, HabbaKadal, KaniKadal, Shaheed Gunj, Nowhatta, BohriKadal, Hawal, Zadibal, Mandibla, Nowshera of Soura and other areas, there is haphazard HTs and LTs wiring while transformers are just 3-4 ft above ground, they added.
Although, the officials of Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) have made it clear that department is trying its best to replace damaged electric poles and wires, so that people of Valley can be provided uninterrupted electricity 24X7.