Thuamul Rampur: Drinking water supply has remained disrupted for 17 days in Thuamul Rampur block in Odisha’s Kalahandi district, prompting criticism of the local panchayat after it blamed a shortage of government funds for failing to clear electricity dues.
The disruption affected residents dependent on the Basudha drinking water scheme. Following repeated media reports on the crisis, the gram panchayat wrote to the electricity department, seeking restoration of power supply and promising to clear the outstanding bill within a month.
In letter No. 121/2026, Sarpanch Bijaya Majhi and panchayat executive officer Mukesh Kumar Patel said the panchayat could not pay the outstanding electricity bill of Rs 1,01,782 because government funds for the current financial year had not been received.
The explanation has drawn criticism from local intellectuals, social workers and concerned residents, who questioned why the panchayat failed to pay the electricity bill for an essential public service.
Residents claimed that gram panchayats in Odisha receive an average of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh annually, apart from additional grants for development projects. They also said 60% of the funds were earmarked for essential services, including hand pump repairs, maintenance of piped water supply, sanitation and emergency needs.
Residents have urged the panchayat to clear the outstanding dues immediately and restore normal water supply, arguing that sending a letter to the electricity department is not enough to resolve the crisis.
