25 years in darkness and counting: This Odisha village still awaits for electricity

It’s not one or two years, this village in Odisha has allegedly spent 25 long years in complete darkness. Night after night, dense darkness surrounds the settlement, and the fear of wild animals keeps residents confined indoors. 

The villagers have no idea when their endless wait for electricity will finally end.

Subarnapur, a tribal-dominated village under Dharakote block of Ganjam district, reportedly remains without a power connection despite repeated promises. 

As dusk falls, villagers shut their doors in fear. Families rely on candles and kerosene lamps while children struggle to study under faint, flickering light, said locals.

What Villagers Say:

"Even after submitting repeated requests to the government, our problems are not being resolved. We in great pain due to this. From Class 1 to Plus 3 students are here, but they face difficulties in study when in the village. Officials at the panchayat and block offices have been assurances for the last 30-35 years," alleged Sumant Sabar, a villager.

Around 25 tribal families, about 130 people who live here, are allegedly deprived not only of electricity but also of basic amenities. Roads, healthcare, education, and communication facilities are all allegedly in a neglected state. 

The condition of the approach road itself reveals how little development the village has witnessed.

"Electricity is the main problem here. The village is in complete darkness. We are facing regular issues, from daily chores to all other works, due to lack of electricity. We have students from Class 1 to graduation but they fail to study during the night," said Samil Sabar, another villager.

Hani Gamang, a student, said, "We are unable to study and do homework due to lack of electricity... The government is not even providing us kerosene."

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'Lack of Mobile Connectivity Add to Woes'

Mobile connectivity is another daily battle. Some residents climb trees while others walk long distances in search of a faint signal. 

The Subarnapur villagers allege that the administration has shown little concern, leaving them cut off from even the most basic services.

To verify the situation firsthand, an OTV team visited the ground zero and found the reality exactly as the villagers described- a community still waiting for the most fundamental utilities, even in 2025.

Responding to the issue, Uma Shankar Behera, sub-collector, Bhanjanagar, said, "I will definitely take up the issue with the Block Development Officer (BDO). I will also talk to the officials of the electricity department. I will also direct the BDO to visit the village and inspect how we can provide all basic amenities to the villagers and ensure development of the village."

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