Consumers Suffer from Irregular Supply and Low Voltage; Area Plunged into Darkness
Shahkund (Bhagalpur): The collapsing power infrastructure in the Shahkund block of Bhagalpur district has severely disrupted daily life. For the past several days, the electricity supply situation in the area has been steadily deteriorating, leaving consumers in a state of distress. Wednesday proved to be particularly difficult, as the region faced intermittent power outages throughout the day. Constant load shedding combined with dangerous low-voltage levels has not only affected household chores but has also crippled local small-scale industries and commercial activities.
Wednesday’s Ordeal: Constant Power Interruptions
Since Wednesday morning, the electricity supply was in a state of disarray. There was no predictable schedule for power availability in various parts of Shahkund. In some areas, power would return for only a few minutes before vanishing for hours. Local residents expressed deep frustration, stating that these arbitrary cuts are being implemented by the department without any prior notice.
One local consumer lamented, "We are exhausted from waiting for electricity all day long. Even when the power does return, the voltage is so low that the fans barely manage to rotate."
Low Voltage: Darkness Despite Having Electricity
More dangerous than the irregular supply is the issue of 'low voltage.' In many villages of Shahkund, the voltage is so weak that bulbs in homes merely flicker.
Safety of Appliances: Due to the low voltage, there is a constant fear of refrigerators, computers, and other electronic equipment getting damaged. Many consumers complained that their appliances have already stopped working due to these frequent voltage fluctuations.
Impact on Education: In the midst of this scorching summer heat, the lack of electricity is taking a heavy toll on students' studies. Children are being forced to rely on candles or kerosene lamps to complete their studies in the evening.
The Double Blow to Business
The brunt of this erratic power supply is being borne by the shopkeepers and small-scale entrepreneurs of Shahkund. Businesses such as computer centers, welding shops, flour mills, and dairy farms are entirely dependent on electricity.
Economic Loss: Due to the lack of power, these businesses remain stalled. Using diesel generators is becoming increasingly unaffordable for them.
Traders' Demands: The business community has clearly stated that if the situation does not improve, they will be forced to take to the streets in protest.
Departmental Negligence or Lack of Resources?
Consumers in the region allege that even after lodging complaints at the local electricity department office, they receive no satisfactory response. Complaints are either ignored or brushed aside with claims of 'technical glitches.'
Dilapidated Wires and Transformers: In many parts of the area, the electricity wires are old and decayed, often snapping and falling at the slightest breeze. Furthermore, the transformers are insufficient to handle the current load, which causes frequent faults.
What Do Local Authorities Say?
When an attempt was made to contact the Junior Engineer of the Electricity Department regarding this matter, they stated that the disruption in supply is due to the problem of overloading on feeders and transformers. They assured that maintenance work would be completed soon to normalize the situation. However, consumers are now tired of these empty assurances.
Warning from the Public
Citizens of Shahkund state that despite paying their electricity bills on time, they are not receiving the basic service they are entitled to. If the power supply situation does not improve in the next few days, the local public has warned that they will organize and surround the Shahkund Electricity Office in protest.
Urgent Need for a Solution
Electricity is the backbone of development for any region. The way the power system has collapsed in Shahkund is a major challenge for the district administration. Continuous power cuts during this summer season are not only harmful to public health but are also pushing the region backward in terms of development. It is time for senior officials of the electricity department to take this matter seriously and take concrete steps to ensure a smooth power supply in Shahkund.
