by Malik Nauman Feroz
SRINAGAR: Residents of Sheeri area of Baramulla and adjoining villages Tuesday staged a protest against the Power Development Department (PDD) over the erratic power supply in their area.
The locals gathered on the highway at Narwa area and staged demonstrations against the Development Department (PDD).
The irked residents claimed that the power supply in their area has been erratic since the last few weeks.
Iqbal Mir, BDC chairman, Baramulla accused the power development department of showcasing callous approach. “Due to the irresponsible attitude of the officers and field staff of PDD, the power scenario has been severely affected in the area,” he claimed.
He further added that if their demands weren’t met, they will take to the streets again and ensure that the road between Gantamulla and Baramulla remains closed until their demands aren’t met.
Advocate Rabia expressed dismay over the approach of administration in mitigating problems of people. She warned the power development department to rectify the snag and restore proper power supply, or else face severe agitations.
She said that the people weren’t calling for anything extra, they just want the authorities to fulfil their basic necessities. “We aren’t asking for 24/7 electricity, we just want to be spared the unscheduled power-cuts,” she added.
The protesters claimed that they brought the issue into the notice of the concerned officers several times, “but nothing has been done, yet.”
The locals called off the protest after senior police officers visited the spot and assured them that their grievance would be taken up with authorities concerned for redressal at the earliest.
When contacted Executive Engineer PDD Baramulla Dalbir Singh contested the claims about revision in the electricity tariff saying that all the genuine demands of people will be solved on a priority basis.
