Lucknow, May 25: Severe heat and a relentless heatwave have plunged several districts in Uttar Pradesh into a prolonged power outage crisis. Residents in Maharajganj, Mirzapur, and Basti are facing significant disruptions to their daily lives, agriculture, and businesses due to the ongoing electricity shortages.
The frequent power cuts have sparked widespread frustration among the populace. Officials from the electricity department attribute the outages to increased faults caused by the extreme heat, along with a shortage of staff.
In Maharajganj, residents have expressed the most discontent, reporting that electricity is unavailable for 13 to 14 hours daily. The situation worsens at night, with outages lasting three to four hours, severely affecting sleep.
One local resident shared that the intense heat is taking a toll on children. Farmers are particularly hard hit, struggling to access both diesel and sufficient electricity. The operation of pumping sets in their fields has become a pressing concern. They lamented that the government appears to be failing in its responsibilities, questioning how relief can be expected in smaller towns when even the capital, Lucknow, is grappling with a power crisis.
Another resident accused the administration of ignoring the people’s problems, stating that the electricity system is in complete disarray, with no apparent concern from officials. They claimed that neither local legislators nor MPs have made any substantial interventions. Despite being part of a “double-engine government,” traders, farmers, and ordinary citizens are suffering. A warning was issued that if a resolution is not found soon, a significant public movement could emerge.
In response to these allegations, Maharajganj MLA Rishi Tripathi acknowledged the ongoing complaints about faults due to the extreme heat. He stated that these faults necessitate power supply interruptions. However, he assured that the department is actively working on repairs, with engineers responding promptly to complaints.
Meanwhile, a junior engineer stationed in the Sonouli area of Maharajganj has been issued a show-cause notice for alleged negligence. It is claimed that he was absent during power outages and failed to respond to calls from the local MLA.
In Mirzapur, residents report receiving electricity for only four to five hours a day. The heat has made sleeping at night difficult, and access to cold drinking water is scarce.
In Basti, residents of Bhuar Niranjanpur village and the Mahso Road area are also grappling with the electricity crisis. Locals have stated that they are forced to sleep outside due to the lack of power at night. They complain that electricity supply is erratic, with no one available to address their grievances.
Officials in Basti have acknowledged that the shortage of staff is a significant factor contributing to the disrupted power supply.
Amid the relentless heat, the electricity crisis has compounded the difficulties faced by residents. People are now demanding urgent government intervention to restore the electricity system.
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