Srinagar, Jun 23: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said that electricity won’t be given to people without paying for it and those who won’t pay money for power, won’t get the electricity.

“Centre doesn’t provide us free electricity. There is a huge power debt left by the previous regimes. We have improved distribution system and will provide better power to people. But power won’t be free anymore,” the LG said while speaking at a function at HMT, Srinagar, after inaugurating Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).

He said power theft is a criminal act and police may have to interfere while dealing with power thieves.

“There are some people who are becoming hurdle in installing smart meters in Srinagar but they too will be dealt with. Meters will be installed and those who won’t pay money for power, won’t be provided power supply,” he said.

He said that citizens can apply for water and electricity connections online now. “There will be online payment mode of bills as well,” the LG said.

Sinha said that Srinagar is fast turning out to be model smart city. He advocated underground laying of power cables to supplying quality power. He said while making Srinagar a smart city, smart economy has to be a focus as well.

The LG said that people can complain only when there are unscheduled cuts of power otherwise no complaint will be entertained. “There is a huge power debt of Rs 11000 cr left by the previous regimes,” he said.

About the ICCC, the LG said that the new facility will provide a single platform aimed at monitoring and addressing public issues on a real-time basis. “Srinagar Smart City aims to secure and increase livability, sustainability, efficiency for all citizens. The holistic approach in functioning of Srinagar Smart City will help in achieving five long term goals-smart mobility, smart economy, smart environment, smart living and smart governance,” he said.

“Ground-breaking technological interventions are bringing efficiency in urban governance and strengthening the response capability of various stakeholders. Srinagar is embracing modern technical tools for sustainable and integrated urban living.”

He said that real time data will ensure effective management of services like water, electricity, mobility, education, healthcare, environment, and security.

Speaking on the occasion, Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor SMC said that the Integrated Command & Control Centre will prove as a pivot for the technological understanding of the governance challenges.

“With various smart city initiatives, we are inching closer towards realizing the goal of a smarter city,” he added. kno