Protest against Tata Power, Dhenkanal to observe 12-hr shutdown on Nov 17

Protests on Wednesday intensified against Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL), with the district’s Electricity Consumers’ Action Committee calling for a 12-hour Dhenkanal bandh (shutdown) on November 17, from 6 AM to 6 PM. 

The bandh has been announced in protest against the alleged ‘arbitrary and anti-consumer activities’ of TPCODL. The shutdown call was made following an appeal by the District Bar Association, which has been voicing strong opposition to the company’s alleged exploitative practices. 

The association accused Tata Power of installing smart meters without improving the basic power infrastructure, issuing inflated electricity bills, and imposing unjust fines on consumers.

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The bandh has received wide support from various political parties, intellectuals, and local residents. Organisers have stated that while essential services will remain operational, all other establishments and activities in the town will remain closed during the 12-hour protest.

The District Bar Association and the Electricity Consumers’ Committee have urged the government to intervene and direct TPCODL to stop its arbitrary actions and address the grievances of consumers.

Authorities have been alerted, and security arrangements are expected to be strengthened to ensure peace during the bandh.

“TPCODL is doing anti-consumer activities. They are behaving like goons and harassing the residents of Dhenakanal. So, we have called for the Dhenkanal bandh on Nov 17 (Monday). I’m hopeful that people of the entire district will extend their support for the bandh and it will be a successful non-violent bandh,” informed Gopal Chandra Patra, President of District Bar Association.

No comments were received from the TPCODL authorities.