Locals in Tripura village protest over drinking water crisis, smart meter bills

In a show of public outrage, residents of Rangkang under Amarpur sub-division of Gomati District took to the streets on Monday, staging a road blockade demanding the immediate withdrawal of smart electricity meters and urgent restoration of drinking water supply in the area.

The protestors, comprising men, women, and elderly citizens, alleged that they have been facing severe drinking water scarcity for an extended period. 

Despite repeated complaints and assurances from the concerned departments, no concrete steps have been taken to address the issue, they said.

“We have knocked on every door of the administration, but nothing has changed. The promises remain unfulfilled. We are forced to drink unsafe water,” said one of the protestors.

Anger was further fueled by the rollout of smart meters in the locality. The residents claimed that the smart meters are generating inflated electricity bills, putting an additional burden on poor households already struggling with basic needs.

“The BJP government is pushing smart meters on us, and we are being forced to pay bills that we cannot afford. With no drinking water and rising costs, how are we supposed to run our families?” asked another villager.

Soon after receiving information about the protest, a team of police and administrative officials rushed to the spot. After a prolonged discussion, the villagers agreed to lift the blockade following fresh assurances from the administration to resolve the water crisis and review the grievances regarding electricity bills.

The situation was brought under control peacefully, but the residents warned that they will resume protests if the promises are not met within a reasonable timeframe.