Parts of Ludhiana have been plunged into darkness and faced water shortages for the past three days due to glitches in pre-paid smart meter trials, affecting street lights and tubewells.
Issue of Delayed Recharges
Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Prashar has written to the Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner, highlighting that the problem stems from smart meters not being recharged in time. After meeting Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) officials, he learned that street lights and tubewells only become functional after recharging. Prashar questioned who would bear responsibility in case of untoward incidents and urged urgent remedial action.
Official Response
MC Commissioner Neeru Katyal Gupta stated that trials are being conducted across the state. She explained that previously, bill adjustments were made within departments, but the new procedure requires recharges. She assured that the issues would be resolved in a day or two.
PSPCL Chief Engineer Jagdev Singh Hans confirmed that pre-paid smart meters have been installed in some areas. He likened the meters to prepaid SIM cards, where one needs to recharge them to use the service. The nodal officer receives messages and must recharge the meters to resume operation.
Residents' Concerns
Residents have raised safety concerns due to pitch-dark streets, fearing untoward incidents. One affected resident said, "There is pitch dark in the streets and we fear untoward incidents can happen." Another resident complained of no water supply, forcing them to buy bottled water from the market.
Call for Resolution
The situation has prompted calls for swift action to restore street lighting and water supply, ensuring public safety and basic amenities. The MC and PSPCL are working to resolve the recharge issues promptly.
