Residents of Lucknow voiced strong complaints about inflated electricity and water bills during the recent Samadhan Divas event, a public grievance redressal forum organized by the local administration. The event, held at the district magistrate's office, saw a significant turnout of citizens seeking resolution for various issues, with billing discrepancies being the most prominent concern.
Billing Irregularities Spark Outrage
Several residents presented copies of their bills showing unusually high charges, some claiming they were billed for consumption far exceeding their actual usage. A resident from the Gomti Nagar extension area stated that his electricity bill had doubled compared to the previous month despite no change in appliance usage. Another citizen from Aliganj reported a similar spike in her water bill, which she believed was due to a faulty meter.
The complaints were not limited to individual households. Representatives from several apartment complexes in the city also submitted petitions highlighting systematic overcharging by utility providers. They alleged that the billing system lacked transparency and that errors were rarely corrected without prolonged follow-ups.
Officials Respond with Assurance
District Magistrate Surya Pal Gangwar, who presided over the Samadhan Divas, assured the complainants that their grievances would be addressed promptly. He instructed officials from the Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration (LESA) and the Jal Kal department to verify each complaint and submit a report within a week. Gangwar emphasized that any billing errors would be rectified, and consumers would not be penalized for mistakes made by the departments.
LESA officials present at the event acknowledged the issue, attributing it to technical glitches in the new smart meter system. They promised to recalibrate meters where necessary and to issue revised bills within 15 days. Similarly, Jal Kal officials stated that they would inspect water meters for defects and replace any faulty ones free of cost.
Public Response and Next Steps
Residents expressed cautious optimism about the administration's response but stressed the need for long-term solutions. Many called for the installation of tamper-proof meters and the implementation of an online portal for real-time bill verification. Some also demanded compensation for the mental distress caused by the inflated bills.
The Samadhan Divas, held every Monday, is part of the state government's initiative to resolve public grievances at the grassroots level. Officials have urged citizens to continue reporting issues through the designated helpline numbers and the official website. The district administration plans to hold a follow-up meeting next week to review the progress on the billing complaints.
