Aradi: Although 16 days have passed after cyclone Fani hit the state, the government has failed to restore basic facilities in many areas.
The power transmission infrastructure was completely destroyed in the storm. Not only urbanites, but rural people too are suffering from power outages after the storm.
The villagers of Palatpur in Nandapur panchayat of Chandbali block in Bhadrak district are now caught between the cyclonic devastation and the limits of restoration.
The electricity authority has already started restoration work in this area. Electricity utility poles were replanted and wires were drawn on a war footing. However, the villagers have not got power yet.
On the other hand, the heat wave in this area has enormously increased in the last two weeks. Mercury has crossed 40 degree Celsius.
The population of the village is around 800 and there are only two tube-wells. The villagers are queuing up near tube-wells from dawn to dusk for a bucket of water. With no other choice, people of all ages are running to the village pond for bathing and other household needs.
The only pond in Palatpur is filled with weeds making it unusable. Moreover, people are taking rest under trees near agricultural fields during the day to escape the summer heat.
At night the village roads turn into places to take rest. The severe heat during the day and the excessive humidity at night has made life miserable.
Villager Nabakishor Bhoi said, “God is the only help for the villagers of Palatpur. Fani has snatched the smile from our lips.”
On being contacted, the Junior Engineer of Asurali Electricity Division, Pradip Kumar Das said, “As all electricity utility poles were uprooted in the cyclone, we are planning to supply power from Sitalpur side, instead of the old route. The planting of electricity poles is almost complete. Electricity supply will be restored in two or three days.”
