TURA, Aug 20: Resentment has continued to simmer in the town of Phulbari and its adjoining areas over frequent power cuts that have been causing nightmares for residents in the summer heat.
As per reports, residents have been complaining of power cuts to the tune of almost 20 hours a day with sleeping in the nights becoming an absolute torture.
“I have rashes on my skin as I am sweating through the entire day without any relief through electricity. Some of us businessmen are spending as much as Rs 1,500 through the day just to keep our business running. Who will pay for our losses from the lack of electricity? The department is so incompetent that it cannot even ensure power through an entire day. They should just hang their heads in shame for the torture they are making us go through,” said Phulbari resident, Ashraful.
Most of the Dadenggre subdivision has been complaining of frequent power cuts and lack of electricity though there has been no change in bills from electric use.
“If I only get four hours of electricity per day, why should I pay for the entire month as if I am not being deprived? Have we now become second-class residents in our own state? This is absolutely unbecoming of the government. The local MLA needs to intervene into the matter before the situation gets worse,” said another resident, Peter Sangma.
Earlier, the town suffered from more than 20 power cuts per day with voltages so low that candles were brighter than bulbs. The situation had, at that time, persisted for over a month. Now the situation has further exacerbated.
Peeved at no solution to the electricity issue, the GSU Phulbari regional unit had paid visit to the FEDCO office on Friday, and were surprised to find no staff during working hours.
They later managed to speak to one of the officials who opined that the shortage of power supply would only be solved if the Chibinang power grid was made functional.
“They also claimed that they have submitted numerous requests to make the grid functional but it is still to be charged. We urge the power minister as well as the chief minister to look into the issue. Phulbari has been suffering for over a decade due to the negligence shown on the electric front,” said the GSU.
The seething locals have now planned to begin a procession of women from the town to rally against the poor power supply.
“We will have no further option if we don’t want to suffer such humiliation every day. It is getting ridiculous that the matter of power, despite our pleas, have not been sorted out. This cannot go on forever and the people suffer in this manner,” said another resident, Rassel Choudhary.
