Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, May 25: Tension prevailed in Ward No. 1 of Kathua after residents staged a strong protest against the Power Development Department (PDD), alleging that they have been issued “unreasonably inflated” electricity bills amounting to thousands and even lakhs of rupees.
Raising slogans against the Department, the protesters said that many families had already cleared their previous pending dues after being assured that a major portion of the earlier bills had been waived off. However, residents alleged that they are now once again receiving fresh bills in massive amounts without any clear explanation.
According to the locals, households that earlier used to receive bills of around Rs 200 or Rs 400 are now suddenly being charged Rs 15,000 to Rs one lakh and even higher amounts in the month of May, causing panic among economically weaker families. Residents claimed that one family received a bill of Rs 1,15,731, while another was allegedly served a bill amounting to Rs 1,51,074, they said.
The protesters stated that most families in the area belong to poor and labour-class backgrounds and are unable to bear such a financial burden. “A labourer earns around Rs 500 a day. How can such families pay bills running into lakhs? Should we educate our children, manage household expenses, or pay these bills?” residents questioned during the protest.
Locals further alleged that when they approached the Department seeking clarification, officials did not respond properly and simply told them that the bills would have to be paid. Residents expressed anger and confusion over the sudden surge in billing, claiming that there has been no unusual electricity usage or heavy electrical equipment in their homes that could justify such charges.
The protesting residents demanded an immediate investigation into the issue and correction of the disputed bills. They warned that if the matter is not resolved soon, they would be forced to intensify their protest and block roads.
The residents appealed to senior Department officials to intervene immediately and provide relief to the affected consumers.
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