Residents of National Road Over Prolonged Power Outage Amid Scorching Heat

In a display of mounting frustration, residents of Silchar’s National Highway Road area staged a late-night protest on Sunday, 28 July 2024, blocking the road due to a three-day power outage. The lack of electricity amid the severe heatwave has severely affected the local community, prompting both men and women to participate in the demonstration.

For the past few days, residents have been enduring intense heat without any electricity. According to sources, a technical issue has caused a power outage in the National Highway Point area of Silchar for three consecutive days, leaving residents in a state of extreme discomfort. The unbearable heat has led to numerous people falling ill, exacerbating the already dire situation.

Despite repeated complaints and requests for action, the electricity department has not addressed the issue, leading to the overnight protest. Chanting slogans like “APDCL Murda Bad,” the protestors demanded immediate restoration of electricity. The protest saw active participation from the community, with the road blockade lasting several hours until police intervention led to the clearing of the road around midnight.

The residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), criticising the service quality. Many families with sick members, including those with high blood pressure, are struggling due to the power outage. The lack of electricity has disrupted daily life, with people facing various challenges in coping with the heat.

Adding to their grievances, residents pointed out that despite the frequent load shedding, their electricity bills have not decreased. They questioned why they are being charged the same amount when they are unable to consume the usual amount of electricity. One resident highlighted the penalty imposed for late bill payments and asked who would bear the penalty for the electricity department’s failure to provide consistent power.