Puri: More than two weeks have passed since cyclone Fani made its landfall, but there seems to be no end to the woes of Puri residents, who are yet to get electricity. Even though the administration has restored power at Puri Srimandir, it is not clear when the whole town will get electricity.
Residents of areas like Kumbharpada, Harachandi Sahi, Markandeswara Sahi, Bali Sahi, Abakash Nagar, Gundicha Vihar and Matiapada are yet to get electricity.
“There is no power and water at my place. Life has become so hard and there is no one to help us,” a Puri resident, Rajlaxmi Sarangi said.
While many residents in the district are reeling under extremely difficult conditions, Central Electricity Supply & Utility (CESU) authorities have assured that power will be restored soon.
As per reports, power restoration work is being done on priority basis for areas like Bramhagiri, Krushnaprasad and Satyabadi.
Superintending engineer of CESU, Pradeep Kumar Sahu said, “Nearly 4500 consumers have got electricity connections already. By May 25, we are trying to restore electricity in all the areas of the district.”
Citing non-restoration of electricity, the State cabinet today announced further gratuitous relief of Rs 1000 for Puri district. Moreover, the cabinet has sanctioned Rs 15 lakh for cleaning of contaminated ponds in Puri post cyclone Fani.
"As power supply has not been fully restored in Puri district, further Rs 1000 will be provided as gratuitous relief," Odisha Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi said after a Cabinet Meeting today.
Padhi added that directions have been given to finish all restoration work in Puri within two months.