Pantnagar: smart meter installation halted in Nagla market after traders protest, meter fitted at a shop pulled out and thrown away

An electricity department team that reached Pantnagar's Nagla market on Monday to install smart meters ran into strong protest from traders. According to Amar Ujala, the team fitted a smart meter at a shop at about 11 am. As word spread, nearby shopkeepers gathered in protest and pulled out the meter and threw it away. The traders said meters were being installed without hearing their objections. BJP and Congress workers also came out in support of the traders. A meeting was then held with electricity department SDO Lalit Arya. According to the traders, it was agreed at the meeting that smart meter installation in Nagla market would be stopped indefinitely for now, after which the matter calmed down. (Source: Amar Ujala)