Srinagar, Jun 30 : Despite the installation of smart meters and upgraded cabling aimed at ensuring uninterrupted electricity, traders and adjacent residents of Maisuma continue to reel under prolonged and unscheduled power outages, prompting the Traders Association Maisuma Bazaar to seek the immediate intervention of the Power Development Department (PDD).
The association said the area is witnessing nearly two hours of power curtailment during the day and another two hours in the evening on an almost daily basis, severely affecting commercial activity and normal life in one of Srinagar’s busiest business hubs.
It said the recurring outages have left traders struggling with mounting losses, while residents complain of disrupted household routines and students facing difficulties in pursuing their studies.
Locals said the prevailing summer heat has further aggravated their hardships.
General Secretary of Traders Association Maisuma Bazaar, Syed Sajid Qadri, termed the situation “deeply unfortunate,” saying the promises made at the time of the installation of smart meters have remained unfulfilled.
“Consumers in Maisuma are paying their electricity bills regularly. The locality is fully metered and cabled, yet people continue to suffer frequent and prolonged power cuts every day,” he said.
“The purpose of installing smart meters was to ensure better and uninterrupted power supply, but unfortunately the situation has only worsened. This is causing huge losses to traders and immense inconvenience to residents,” he added.
Qadri urged the Chief Engineer, PDD and the concerned Executive Engineer to intervene without delay and ensure the restoration of reliable electricity supply to the area.
He also demanded that the department explain the reasons behind the continued outages despite infrastructure upgrades and provide a definite timeline for restoring uninterrupted electricity to Maisuma—(KNO)
