Kantabanji: Hundreds of residents in Bangomunda Wednesday gheraoed Wesco’s Kantabanji sub-divisional officer (SDO) demanding immediate supply of power to the villages.
They also took on the officials as the newly-constructed 33/11 KV grid sub-station at Bangomunda did not get power. The protesters submitted a memorandum to Wesco’s SDO Karunakar Behera outlining their demands – making functional the Bangomunda grid sub-station and immediate power supply to villages under Bhalumunda gram panchayat.
In the memorandum, the protestors mentioned they have been riling against irregular power supply and low-voltage problem in the area over last few years. At least 84 people were put behind bars a few years ago when they protested these irregularities. Still, the officials have not turned up for a permanent solution to these problems. They pointed out that they would intensify their stir if the grid sub-station fails to function within the next fortnight.
The agitators relented after the intervention of Kantabanji sub-inspector of police Kishore Chandra Pradhan, Turekela grid junior engineer (JE) Sunil Kumar Swain and Kantabanji JE. A police platoon was put into service to maintain peace at the venue.
Explaining the reason behind the delay in making Bangomunda grid sub-station functional, SDO Behera said technical work and wiring of the station have not been completed yet. The agency that was entrusted with the work of the sub-station has not installed the utility poles yet. The unit has not been handed over to the power department. The sub-station would be charged after it was handed over to the department, he added.
He pointed out that all the villages under Bhalumunda panchayat would be connected with power after Bangomunda and Belapada grid stations are made functional. Functioning of these two stations will also solve the low-voltage problem.
Among others, Bhalumunda sarpanch Upendra Meher and residents including Gurubari Punji, Kia Meher, Kasturi Meher, Ananta Tandi and Bhibe Tandi led the protest. PNN
