Public Discontent Rising Over Weak Power Infrastructure in Kakatpur and Astaranga

Demand Raised for 33 kV Backup Line from Bangurigaon to Kakatpur; Electricity Consumers’ Federation Formed

Kakatpur, June 11:
The unbearable summer heat continues to scorch the region, while frequent power cuts have made life miserable. In Kakatpur and Astaranga areas, residents are facing prolonged and repeated electricity outages. Elderly people, students, and patients are suffering due to the lack of uninterrupted power supply. During the daytime, people endure the blazing heat, and at night, power cuts rob them of rest. The situation worsens during thunderstorms and rains.

Public dissatisfaction is growing over the power disruptions. With Tata Power now responsible for power distribution in the state, questions are being raised: Are these frequent power cuts happening due to poor maintenance by the private company? Or is it the failure of the discoms to strengthen the infrastructure? Even the state’s Energy Minister has stated that there is no power shortage in Odisha—rather, the issue lies in inadequate infrastructure.

To address problems like the lack of uninterrupted power supply, persistent low voltage, and weak infrastructure, a new federation named “Maa Mangala Electricity Consumers’ Federation” was formed on Sunday at the premises of Deuli Math in the local area. Office bearers of the federation were also selected during the meeting.

Shobhakar Behera was chosen as the convener, while Aditya Kumar Raut was appointed as the president. Amiya Kumar Nayak, Prabhas Prusty, Sushanta Kumar Sahu, Chinmaya Polei, Ranjan Kumar Nayak were selected as vice-presidents. Manas Kumar Samal was named general secretary; Mohammad Junfukar Ali and Nrusingha Polei as joint secretaries; Rajendra Mahanti and Debadatta Bishwal as assistant secretaries. Chittaranjan Mishra was appointed as the treasurer, and Prabhakar Khuntia as the advisor, all through unanimous selection.

The newly formed committee plans to submit a memorandum on Monday to the Chief Minister, Energy Minister, five secretaries, department officials, and the District Collector through the local administration, demanding a permanent solution to the electricity issues. This was confirmed by vice-president Chinmaya Polei.