Shopkeepers at Zaina Kadal complain of electric shocks after underground wiring

Srinagar, Aug 19: Shopkeepers at Zaina Kadal area of Downtown Srinagar have raised serious concerns after several of them reportedly received electric shocks from their shop shutters ever since underground power cables were laid under the Srinagar Smart City Project.

The traders operating near Gadiyar Masjid told the news agency, Kashmir News Trust, that they live in constant fear as the problem has persisted for weeks. They said that even a routine act, such as opening or closing shutters, has become unsafe.

“One can’t imagine the danger we are facing. We frequently receive shocks while touching shutters. This has become worse after the rains. Yesterday, one shopkeeper fainted after receiving a massive electric shock,” said Mukhtar Ahmad Baghdadi, a local trader. The shopkeepers claimed that the problem started soon after the underground electric wires were installed in the area about a month ago. According to them, the situation worsens during wet weather, posing greater risks.

They appealed to the power wing of the Srinagar Smart City authorities to immediately inspect and fix the fault before it leads to a tragedy.

“This is not a minor issue. A single unattended fault could prove fatal for many. Authorities must take urgent action,” said another shopkeeper. Traders demanded that the Smart City officials and the Power Development Department jointly intervene to ensure the safety of the public and traders in the area.