Strict legal action ordered against hindrances in implementation of power those causing reforms

SHAKEELA ANDRABI

SRINAGAR: The installation of smart meters in the valley is going on in full swing as 26,000 meters have been installed in Srinagar city so far and 32,000 more are to be installed. PDD Kashmir has made it clear that there will be no change or extra tariff after installation of smart meters. In order to review the progress regarding installation of smart meters in Srinagar City, a meeting was held under chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Assad. On the occasion, MD KPDCL informed that under smart metering project Srinagar Phase-I, out of 57,750 meters, as many as 25,000 have been installed till now and process is going on to install remaining 32,000 smart meters. He further said that strict legal action shall be taken against anybody hindering process.
Meanwhile, all the executive magistrates have been told to initiate strict legal action if any hindrances are created in implementation of power Sector reforms under various centrally sponsored schemes. Earlier following resentment against installation of Smart Meters at Raj Bagh area of Srinagar, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) lodged FIR seeking action against residents who hampered meter installation process. FIR No 37/2022 was lodged at Raj Bagh Police Station on complaint of Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) KPDCL, Rajbagh against residents for breaking meters and hindering installation process. An official said the FIR was lodged so that proper action can be taken against those who were involved in manhandling staff and breaking meters.