Post News Network
Udala, Jan 5: Even as rural electrification drive across the state moves at a snail’s pace, many remote and tribal pockets in this block of Mayurbhanj district are still reeling under darkness in the absence of electricity.
Upset over this problem, people of Jalda in Bhimtali panchayat blocked the Udala-Kaptipada main road at Baunsapal Chhak.
Squatting across the road, the villagers demanded immediate step to electrify the area. They burnt tyres on the road. The agitating villagers charged the energy department with neglecting their village.
The road blockade threw vehicular movement out of gear to Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Balasore and other destinations from Udala.
A large number of buses, trucks and vehicles were stranded on both sides of the road. Thousands of tourists to various spots including Debkund had a harrowing time after being stuck in traffic jam.
Udala police station IIC accompanied by SDO of Nesco rushed to the spot and held talks with the agitators. The officials assured the protesters that the village will be electrified within two months. However, the protestors refused to relent and the agitation was on till this report was filed.
They said 57 BPL families had been identified for Rajiv Jyoti Yojana two years ago. Wiring of their houses and other electric equipment have been fixed long ago, but electricity connection has not been provided, said Ranjit Behera and Basanti Mallick of the village. PNN