Papdahandi: Residents of Pondikot Harijan Sahi in Papdahandi block protested against the power cut by surrounding the electricity department office. They declared that the protest would continue until the electricity connection was restored.
In Pondikot Harijan Sahi, around 20 families reside. While other parts of the village had electricity, this particular sahi (locality) was left without power.
Earlier in the day, electricity department staff had visited the area to collect pending electricity bills. Consumers were asked to pay outstanding amounts in thousands of rupees, but they refused as they were only asked to pay a partial amount of their dues. Following this, the power supply to the locality was cut off, according to residents.
At 9 PM, the affected villagers gathered at the electricity office and started their protest. They pointed out that a wedding was taking place, children were preparing for exams, and there was also fear of wild animals in the dark. Until the power was restored, they vowed to continue their protest.
Protesters including Goura Garada, Shankar Garada, Sushant Garada, Muna Garada, Dambaru Garada, Padhu Harijan, Rama Harijan, Lakshmi Harijan, Urmila Garada, and Jema Garada expressed their grievances.
When contacted, departmental engineer Lakshman Sahu stated that power cuts had occurred in the Maidalpur area due to Kalbaisakhi storms. Repair teams were already working to restore supply, and the Pondikot area’s issues would be resolved by tomorrow.
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