Srinagar, Aug 5: Government’s plan to install meters in Civil Lines to put a check on use of water by restricting it to 40 litres a day per head drew severe flak from Srinagarites as they came out of Masjids after Friday prayers and discussed the issue which popped up earlier this week.
 The residents of areas like Bemina, Hyderpora, Pirbagh, Parray Pora, Rawal Pora said they would launch an agitation should the government fail to revoke the plans.
 The residents of Bemina said at a time when people find it difficult to earn two square meals a day, the coalition government wanted to impose extra taxes on them.
 “The Mantris in this government seems to be deriving some pleasure out various plans to impose taxes. Someday they have a property tax plan and on the other day they want to squeeze Aam Aadmi in the name of water metering,” said a Mohalla Committee in Bemina area.
 The people of Hyderpora said they would not allow even a single meter to be installed.
 “It seems that the government is provoking us to take to streets for one reason or the other,” the residents said adding that why doesn’t the Minister for Engineer Public Health Engineering (PHE) start the metering from his own constituency and Ganderbal district.
 “Why is Srinagar becoming the first victim of every tyranny,” argued a school teacher living in Rawal Pora while others agreed to him.
 Various social organizations like Seniro Citizen Forum have already threatened to launch a campaign against the government plan.
 Pertinently earlier this week the Chief Engineer PHE G R Zargar said the meters were being procured to start the drive and the first phase would be completed in three months.
 He said the drive would be started from Hyderpora, Amira Kadal and Rajbagh areas. Ironically the government, as per highly placed sources, doesn’t want to install meters in Mehjoor Nagar, because of some “vote bank politics.”

Lastupdate on : Fri, 5 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 5 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 6 Aug 2011 00:00:00 IST