Meter installation sparks protest in Arjun Nagar

 

 

 

Opposition to the installation of new electricity meters in the Arjun Nagar area of Bhopal escalated for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, with a large number of women taking to the streets. Carrying posters and banners, the protesters marched to the local electricity company’s office in Govindpura and staged a demonstration to voice their strong disapproval. This action follows an earlier rally held by the residents to express their concerns and an incident on Tuesday where an electricity company team was reportedly forced to withdraw due to initial resistance. Residents of Arjun Nagar allege that the electricity company officials are acting unilaterally in their decision to install these new meters. They organised a rally before proceeding to surround the electricity office, demanding that their concerns be heard. A resident spokesperson stated that the new meters would inevitably lead to a hike in their electricity bills. She further asserted that existing regulations grant consumers the autonomy to choose their own meters and prohibit forced installations, claims which she believes are being ignored by the company.

 

Adding to the residents’ grievances, they reported that the electricity supply to Arjun Nagar was cut off on Tuesday following their initial protest. This resulted in the entire area spending the night without power. During Wednesday’s demonstration, women held aloft posters and banners bearing slogans such as, ‘Stop Installing Electricity Meters’, underscoring the increasing dissatisfaction among the community regarding the implementation of these new meters. When contacted by ‘The Hitavada’, Sanjay Baramase, Manager at Industrial Gate, stated that the meters are being installed free of charge and would help in reducing electricity theft. He further added that these installations would ultimately provide extra benefits to the people, expressing his incomprehension at the citizens’ protests if the initiative is intended for their betterment.