Ludhiana, April 9 -- The PSPCL's operational wing has recovered a staggering Rs.251.72 crore from 1,29,948 defaulting consumers in the central zone between January and early April, underlining the scale of mounting unpaid electricity dues across Ludhiana and adjoining circles.

The data shows that the recovery drive covered east, west, sub-urban and Khanna circles, with officials intensifying field operations against pending domestic, commercial and mixed-category consumers.

The east circle emerged as the biggest defaulter pocket where 31,167 consumers cleared dues worth Rs.114.33 crore, followed by the west circle that saw 23,163 defaulters paying Rs.72.81 crore.

The sub-urban circle accounted for 44,167 defaulting accounts, from which...