Jameela Akhter
Baramulla: Shopkeepers in the fish market of Baramulla town took to the streets in protest against the Power Development Department (PDD) following claims of substandard electric cables causing a near-disastrous fire.
The incident occurred during the installation of smart meters, sparking chaos and panic in the market.
The shopkeepers narrowly escaped a significant fire disaster after a short circuit, prompting concerns about the quality of cables used in government-funded electric projects such as PMDP and RDSS. The fish market, known for its bustling trade, witnessed damages to shops, signboards, and merchandise due to two instances of substandard cables catching fire.
Expressing discontent, the protesting shopkeepers demanded an immediate investigation and the formation of a committee to determine how substandard cables were integrated into the ambitious smart metering and cabling project. Many are pointing fingers at the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) for its alleged role in the installation of controversial cables.
Amid the uproar, goldsmith Zahoor Ahmad Zonga highlighted the smart metering initiative’s objective to reduce technical losses and curb illegal hooking. The government, through schemes like PMDP and RDSS, is investing Rs 800 crore in smart metering and cabling projects, with ongoing works in Baramulla, Srinagar, and Kupwara.
Despite government claims, protests against the smart metering initiative persist, fueled by the recent cable fire incident. Calls for a thorough investigation and a reassessment of the entire smart metering project are gaining momentum, especially in areas like rural villages.
Assistant Executive Engineer Yasir Kakroo from the Power Development Department (PDD) confirmed cable damage during the installation by the Projects Division, assuring that the matter is under investigation. The incident adds to the ongoing debate, prompting a reevaluation of the smart metering project’s implementation in various regions, including rural areas.
Contacted for comments, Yasir Kakroo, Assistant Executive Engineer (Exn) Power Development Department (PDD) Baramulla, stated, “The matter is being looked into as a smart metering and cabling project is being done by project division.”
