KPDCL faces public criticism; Smart Meter promise falls flat

Srinagar, Jul 23: Amid searing temperatures, residents from several areas of Srinagar are reeling under intense hardship due to massive power curtailments, including in localities equipped with smart meters. From Batamaloo and Bonpora to Magarmal Bagh, Jehangir Chowk, Gangbugh, Tengpora, Soura, Hawal, and Bemina, people are grappling with prolonged outages that have sparked widespread anger.
Despite promises of improved power supply through smart metering, the ground reality paints a different picture. Residents in these “smart zones” report no significant change in the quality or quantity of electricity. Instead, they are now burdened with higher bills and erratic schedules.
“What is the purpose of installing smart meters if we are still living in darkness during peak summer? These meters were supposed to streamline electricity, not leave us sweating in the dark,” said Shabir Ahmad, a resident of Bemina.
“It’s not just inconvenience; it’s a matter of health and safety,” said a local from Soura. “Patients, children, and the elderly are suffering, and there’s no accountability.”
The contradiction between the promise of uninterrupted electricity in smart-metered areas and the persistent outages has triggered debate on the effectiveness of the power reforms. Citizens demand transparency in the curtailment schedule and better preparedness by the authorities. [KNT]