2 hrs ago
CPI(M)-Led Palghar Protest Over Smart Meters Blocks Highway
Thousands of people protested in Palghar over electricity smart meters and high bills.
The protest was led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Organisers said more than 35,000 people took part.
They said some consumers were receiving unusually high electricity bills.
Protesters also objected to what they called forced smart-meter installations.
The demonstration blocked a major highway for almost three hours.
Police were sent to manage traffic and keep order.
Electricity officials gave a written promise to review complaints.
The protest ended after that promise was made.
More than 35,000 people, according to organisers, joined the CPI(M)-led protest in Dahanu.
Demonstrators opposed smart-meter installations and complained of unusually high electricity bills.
The protest blocked the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway at Charoti Naka for nearly three hours.
Several organisations from Thane and Palghar districts participated despite heavy rainfall.
The agitation ended after electricity officials promised a 15-day drive to examine billing complaints.
- Who
- The Communist Party of India (Marxist), supported by several organisations from Thane and Palghar, led the protest.
- What
- A protest over smart-meter installations, high electricity bills and consumer grievances blocked the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway.
- Where
- The demonstration occurred at Charoti Naka in Dahanu, Palghar, Maharashtra.
- When
- The protest took place on Thursday; officials promised a 15-day complaint-review drive beginning September 11.
- Why
- Protesters sought action on alleged inflated bills, reconsideration of smart-meter installations and improved handling of consumer complaints.
Protesters' Demands
Electricity Officials' Response
Smart-meter installations
Protesters' Demands
Protesters alleged that smart meters were being installed forcibly, said the programme was harming ordinary consumers and demanded removal of meters already installed.
Electricity Officials' Response
Electricity distribution officials did not publicly state a position on removing the meters in the article, but gave a written assurance to address the grievances.
High electricity bills
Protesters' Demands
Protesters complained about steep or inflated bills and demanded that authorities investigate and correct billing problems.
Electricity Officials' Response
Officials promised a 15-day special drive to examine complaints about increased bills and take appropriate corrective action where required.
Resolution of the protest
Protesters' Demands
The organisers withdrew the agitation after receiving the written assurance from electricity officials.
Electricity Officials' Response
Officials responded with a districtwide complaint-review initiative at electricity offices beginning September 11.
Key facts
- Reported participation
- More than 35,000 people, according to organisers
- Protest location
- Charoti Naka, Dahanu, Palghar, Maharashtra
- Road affected
- Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway
- Duration
- Nearly three hours
- Main concerns
- Smart-meter installations and unusually high electricity bills
- Official response
- A written assurance to examine complaints and take corrective action where required
- Special drive
- A 15-day drive at electricity offices across the district from September 11
Sources
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