Srinagar: Residents of Norpora Ganderpora area in Safa Kadal locality in Downtown staged protest against installation of Smart Meters.
The residents, mostly females, gathered at Safa Kadal road and chanted slogans to mark their protest. “Government is pushing us against the wall by installing Smart Meters without considering our economic condition,” they said.
"We are already paying monthly bills of around Rs 1200, which is not affordable for us. How are we supposed to pay hefty bills generated by these Smart Meters? We are families of labourers who earn from hand to mouth basis, and these moves are totally unacceptable," said a female protester.
The protestors said that they are from a poor locality and have patients at home. They said that they are unable to pay medical bills and expenses for food due to their weak economic conditions.
“We are already suffering from inflation and other economic issues. Most of our youth are jobless, and amid the inflation, our merger earnings have made us suffer. Now this Smart Meter issue is worsening our situation,’ said another protestor.
The protests blocked Safa Kadal road, which led to a temporary disruption in vehicular movement. The protestors said that they want authorities to continue with the flat rate so that electricity can be affordable for them.
In the last few months, there have been multiple protests against Smart Meters. Residents from various Downtown localities and Uptown areas have been staging protests against the government's move.
