SRINAGAR A massive Srinagar fire in the Rakh Ara Noorbagh area on Monday destroyed at least five residential houses. Locals are blaming the blaze on a short circuit caused by faulty smart meter installation and poorly positioned electrical poles.
A devastating fire in the Rakh Ara Noorbagh area of Srinagar on Monday has destroyed at least five residential houses, with local residents attributing the inferno to a short circuit caused by poorly installed smart meters and electrical poles.
According to residents, the smart meters, installed perilously close to second-storey windows, have become a significant fire hazard. These meters, which are often prone to malfunction and short circuits, were installed hastily without proper safety assessments or strategic planning, exposing both lives and property to grave risk.
“These electrical poles are dangerously positioned near residential homes. The installation process showed a clear lack of foresight and safety precautions,” said Ghulam Rasool Shah, an elderly resident, speaking with the Kashmir News Trust (KNT). His words reflect the deep frustration of many in the community who believe negligence played a significant role in the tragedy.
The fire, which wreaked havoc on five concrete homes, has sparked widespread concern over the standards of electrical installations in Srinagar’s urban areas. Locals are now demanding immediate action to reassess and overhaul the installation process for smart meters, urging authorities to enforce strict safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Imtiyaz Khan, the former District President of the Congress party in Srinagar, has also called for urgent intervention by local authorities. Khan emphasized the importance of a comprehensive review of the positioning of electric poles and smart meters, stressing the necessity for immediate corrective measures to avoid further disasters.
This incident has ignited a larger conversation about electrical safety standards and the need for enhanced regulations to ensure the protection of public safety in urban areas.
— (KNT)
