Baramulla, Nov 15: Power Development Department (PDD) in Baramulla is set to take strict action against defaulters for non-payment of electricity bills, saying cases will be filed against defaulters. 

“It is to inform all Mohalla presidents that to advise the defaulter consumers of your Mohalla to pay your pending electricity bills immediately, otherwise FIR in the police station Baramulla will be lodged against the defaulters”, reads a PDD circular.

An official from the power department pleading anonymity that they were prompted to take such harsh action against defaulters after being pulled up by their higher ups.

He said that hundreds of consumers have not been paying power tariff for the last many years despite serving them notices.

He said 697 consumers have not paid their dues for several years and only 130 consumers have availed an amnesty scheme till date.

“We have been instructed to disconnect power supply to consumers who have never paid electricity bills,” the official said.

The official said that if they fail to pay the outstanding bill amount, cases will be filed against defaulters.