Budgam, Feb 21: In Waterwani village of Budgam district on Saturday a large number of women held a protest opposing the installation of smart electricity meters in the area.
Witnesses said the demonstrators gathered in the locality and objected to the ongoing metering drive, alleging that the new system could escalate monthly electricity charges and adversely affect low-income households. The protesting women sought immediate suspension of the installation process pending wider consultation.
They questioned the absence of prior awareness campaigns explaining the operational mechanism and billing structure of the smart meters. The inhabitants urged the Power Development Department to address apprehensions publicly before proceeding further.
Participants maintained that any modification in essential utility services must factor in local economic conditions. They appealed to the district administration to review the rollout and warned of intensified protests if their concerns are not examined. [KNT]
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