Danishwar Hameed
Kulgam,Nov 03: Residents of Wagay Mohalla Chambagund in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday staged a peaceful protest against the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), demanding immediate replacement of old and damaged electricity poles and wires in their area.
The protesters said that since 2007, they have been using self-installed wooden poles to maintain electricity supply, as the department has failed to provide proper infrastructure. “For the last 18 years, we have been using wooden poles erected by locals. The LT line is completely damaged and dangerously hanging over dead poles, trees, and even windows,” said one of the residents.
The locals added that while they welcome the department’s ongoing smart meter installation drive, they were shocked when officials asked them to arrange poles and LT wire at their own expense. “This is unjustified. It is the department’s responsibility to provide safe and proper electric infrastructure,” the residents said.
They appealed to the Deputy Commissioner Kulgam to personally intervene in the matter and ensure that the dilapidated power infrastructure in Wagay Mohalla Chambagund is replaced without further delay.
When contacted, the Executive Engineer (Xen) KPDCL Kulgam Division Ab Hameed Akhoon said, “We will look into this matter and address the issue soon.”
