Nabarangpur: Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced 100 per cent electrification of all inhabited villages in the country, residents of tribal pockets in Nabarangpur district are still wondering when it would be their turn to finally switch from kerosene lamps to electric light bulbs.
As per government reports, around 567 villages in the district are still deprived of power supply. Thousands of villagers in the 567 villages live in darkness and curse their fate for not being able to enjoy the benefits of power.
“Generations have passed without even getting electricity and we will also perish soon, but the dream of getting electricity connection to our villages will always remain a distant dream,” a villager deplored.
The district comprises 10 blocks, 189 panchayats, 894 revenue zones and 2,171 villagers. Of these, 567 villages still depend on kerosene and oil lamps as a source of light. These are: 23 villages under Tentulikhunti block; 48 under Papadahandi; 33 under Kosagumuda; 11 under Habugaon; 118 under Umerkote; 190 under Raighar; 108 under Jharigam and 32 under Chandahandi block.
Similarly, many villages including Tanganikot, Bariguda, Bagra, Pannganmara under Tentulikhunti block are also not provided with electricity.