Over 100 old meters removed in Vaduj after smart meter installation found dumped by canal

Old electricity meters of consumers have been found dumped on open ground near a canal in Vaduj town of Khatav taluka. It is alleged that the meters, removed after smart meters were installed, were left there. Several social organisations are angry because no one took notice even after a responsible person of the company concerned was told. Residents of the town are now saying: get a smart meter installed and find your old meter by the canal.

For the past few months, Mahavitaran has been asking electricity consumers to get smart meters installed. Many consumers have already done so. The work has been given to a private company, whose employees are fitting meters at many places. Some organisations have opposed the move, but smart meters are still said to be mandatory. Under this, old meters of some consumers in a colony on Dahiwadi Road in Vaduj were removed and replaced with smart meters.

Under the rules, the old meters that are replaced must be deposited by the private company at the Mahavitaran office. Instead, an estimated more than 100 meters were dumped on the roadside by the canal on this road.

Some media representatives then brought the matter to the notice of Maske, a senior Mahavitaran officer. Maske said the matter fell under the Vaduj office and that the officials concerned should be spoken to. The matter was thus passed from one person to another. Diwate, an official of the department concerned, was then informed. It is alleged that officials of the Vaduj office ignored the serious matter and merely sent a wireman to the spot to inspect.

On hearing of the incident, social activist Digambar Shingade reached the spot. He informed Deedwagh of Mahavitaran and explained the seriousness of the matter. Deedwagh visited the site and asked an official of the private company for an explanation. It is alleged that the official, who was arrogant in manner, behaved as though he knew nothing about it.

Even after the matter reached senior Mahavitaran officials, the attitude of this company employee did not change. People are therefore asking whether there is any collusion between this responsible employee of the company and local Mahavitaran officials. The dumped meters have been collected and taken away by Mahavitaran officials and staff, but many people are now watching what stand senior officials take in this serious matter.

Shubham Gurav, who looks after Khatav taluka for the private company, was contacted about the matter. Mahavitaran officials acknowledged that the incident was serious and gave detailed information about it. However, it is alleged that Gurav shrugged off responsibility and, blaming an ordinary employee, behaved as though he had nothing to do with it. Some organisations have therefore demanded action against Gurav. In talks with the media, they warned that if this is not done, a sharp agitation will soon be launched at the senior Mahavitaran office.