At a time when Odisha is reeling under the ‘death rays’ of the sun, Odisha Energy Minister Pratap Keshari Deb’s announcement on April 12 that there will be no power cuts this year, came as a much-needed ray of hope. However, disappointment followed immediately after.
Despite tall claims by the Minister, the ground situation in Odisha tells a totally contrasting story. When OTV arrived at Haradapadar village under Aska block, it was greeted with a sight, which cannot be termed uncommon. Like any other summer afternoon, locals of the village were seen relaxing under trees and on their verandahs holding handheld bamboo fans. They were all trying to keep themselves cool in the sweltering heat inside the house, thanks to the frequent power cuts in the area.
“Power cuts have increased since Tata Power took over the distribution. There is nobody who will listen to our grievances,” rued Panchu Badatya from Haradapadar village.
A similar situation prevails at Nilagiri in Balasore. Almost everybody is of the opinion that ever since the power distribution has been handed over to Tata Power, the power cut situation has gone from bad to worse.
“I never delay my bill payments. But we still have to suffer from power cuts. Tata Power would snap power supply in the morning and evening peak hours when we need it the most for cooking and study,” said Damayanti Rout from Nilagiri.
“The collection agents of Tata Power would arrive at our doorsteps on the first week of every month for the payment and they even threaten to cut the electricity connection if the bill payment is delayed. But they show no sympathy for the perils of the consumers,” alleged another local.
The situation in Cuttack City is no better. In fact, the frequent power outages forced a resident of CDA Sector-6, Soubhagya Sundaray to write a letter to the Energy Minister urging him to spare the children and senior citizens from these power outages.
Meanwhile, the Odisha Electricity Consumers’ Association slammed the State government for declaring Odisha as an electricity surplus state at a time when power outages have become a regular affair. It also called upon the consumers to put forth their grievances in appropriate forums.
The energy minister’s statement and allegations by the consumers have forced many to ask whether Tata Power pays any heed to the government of Odisha or if it is functioning on its own.
No comments on the allegations have been received either from the Energy department or Tata Power authorities.