KARACHI:
The Hyderabad Electrical Provide Firm (Hesco) has but to take tangible motion in opposition to these concerned in energy theft, notably in relation to unauthorised night time cricket tournaments held on public roads. These tourneys, usually powered by stolen electrical energy, proceed to thrive, with no intervention from Hesco authorities.
Though Hesco repeatedly releases press statements boasting of efforts to fight energy pilferage, the unlawful apply stays rampant. Over 500 areas within the metropolis host night time unauthorised cricket matches throughout Ramazan, with organisers tapping into electrical energy poles or straight connecting to street-level energy meters. In some areas, using high-power lighting rods on faculty and school grounds has additional escalated the problem.
Regardless of Hesco’s claims of strict enforcement, the issue persists, notably through the holy month. These night time cricket tourneys, which generally start after Taraweeh prayers round 3 to three.30am, proceed unabated. In some areas, intense inter-area competitions are held, with prizes on provide, all powered by stolen electrical energy.
In an effort to cowl up their energy theft, some organisers in have resorted to putting small turbines on the venues, pretending that electrical energy is being generated independently. Nonetheless, the fact stays that these occasions are powered illegally, which raises critical considerations concerning the lack of enforcement and oversight.
The unlawful tournaments are usually not with out consequence for the general public. Visitors movement is disrupted as matches are continuously held on busy streets and highways. Motorcyclists and drivers have reported arguments and brawls with gamers, who ask them to show off their headlights or keep away from passing by the enjoying fields. Disputes between gamers over umpire selections have resulted in occasional clashes between groups and their supporters.
On Wednesday, comparable unlawful cricket tournaments have been reported in numerous neighbourhoods in Hyderabad, together with Phulli Preetabad, Station Street, Risala Street, Lajpat Street, G Ward, Latifabad, Qasimabad, Web site Space, and others. These tourneys present a broader, systemic situation the place electrical energy theft, notably throughout Ramadan, stays unchecked.
This annual sample of electrical energy theft is additional compounded by the illicit use of stolen energy to function non permanent markets or stalls arrange for Eid celebrations. Hesco officers, regardless of realizing about these actions, have did not take significant motion. As a substitute, their method has been to carry sporadic public demonstrations, which are sometimes accompanied by media releases showcasing minimal interventions.
Probably the most regarding side of this ongoing situation is the aftermath: as soon as the holy month of Ramadan ends, Hesco calculates the full quantity of stolen electrical energy and contains this determine within the payments of standard shoppers. Because of this, those that have used electrical energy responsibly are left to shoulder the burden of those losses. Moreover, the method of disputing these inflated payments has been made exceedingly troublesome, leaving many shoppers unable to rectify the scenario, inflicting pointless stress and monetary pressure.