A recent report highlighting the complete lack of electricity in Subarnapur village under the Dharakote block of Ganjam district prompted swift action from Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, during a District Collectors’ conference held in Bhubaneswar.
It has been learnt that children has been studying using lanterns and candles, underscoring the absence of basic amenities some 78 years after India’s Independence.
Taking serious note of the issue during the crucial meeting with District Collectors, the Chief Minister expressed deep concern and raised the matter pointedly. CM Majhi stated it was unacceptable that a village should remain without electricity for so many decades.
Following the high-level meeting, the Chief Minister instructed the Ganjam Collector to ensure the immediate electrification of Subarnapur village. The village in question is an indigenous tribal settlement under the Dharakote block, where the lack of power supply had been widely publicised.
CM Majhi stressed that such deficiencies in essential services must be addressed as a matter of urgency and instructed officials to implement prompt administrative measures. “There is a village under Bhanjanagar subdivision in Ganjam district, where electricity is still inaccessible. I witnessed how the residents are managing their daily chores under lanterns and candles, including studying," said the Chief Minister. CM Majhi further urged: "There are several other villages near Ganjam district — so close to us — and you (District Collectors) need to survey on a priority basis as to which villages have been left out, where there is no power supply."
The report noted that this particular village in Odisha has allegedly spent 25 long years in complete darkness. Darkness has engulfed the tribal settlement every night, forcing residents to remain confined indoors due to the fear of wild animals.
Also read: No electricity for 25 years, Odisha villagers seek help
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