Residents flag unsafe power lines in Sumbal

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 4: Residents of Sheikh Mohalla in Bazar Sumbal area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora today voiced serious concerns over unsafe and deteriorating power infrastructure, warning of potential accidents if immediate action is not taken.
Locals said the transmission lines running close to residential houses and a shopping complex are old, worn out and pose a constant threat to life and property.
They said the damaged infrastructure has heightened the risk of fire incidents and electric shocks in the area.
“We are living under constant fear as these old wires pass right over our homes and market area. Any short circuit can lead to a tragedy,” a local resident said.
They stressed that while they welcome the installation of smart meters, the underlying infrastructure remains neglected and hazardous.
They also flagged irregularities in the implementation of the smart meter project, saying some households have been covered while others continue to rely on outdated and unsafe connections, leading to unequal service and increased risk.
The residents appealed to the concerned department to act swiftly, replace the damaged lines and ensure uniform rollout of smart meters across the area to provide safe and reliable power supply.