House razed, but power bills stay!

Sandeep Rana

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 30

Is it possible that a person does not have a house and an electricity meter, but still gets power bills? Well the UT Electricity Department has made it happen!

A house of a Khuda Ali Sher resident, Najma, was among several razed to the ground during a demolition drive by the UT Administration in April this year, but the family is still receiving electricity bills for the address, which does not exist anymore.

Najma has got two bills so far. The latest bill she has got is for Rs 1,102 for the July 27-September 29 period. Before this, she had got a bill for Rs 600. Her family, which is now putting up in a rented accommodation, is shocked over this. Some families have reportedly again built houses at that place.

“Our house was razed and the meter removed; then how come they are sending us bills? We will take up the matter before the Punjab and Haryana High Court along with our petition against the demolition of houses,” said Jasbir Malik, husband of Najma.

In the drive carried out on April 28, 13 pucca houses were demolished by the office of the Land Acquisition Officer as these had reportedly come up in violation of the provisions of the Periphery Act at Khuda Ali Sher village. The demolished structures also included foundations, temporary structures and some shops.

However, many residents have again started constructing houses there. The administration seems to be turning a blind eye to the issue.

Electricity officials said it seemed the account of the house concerned had not been closed and that is why the bills were being issued.

Jasbir Malik said, “Our house was demolished and now the Electricity Department expects us to visit them to close our account.”