Thuamul Rampur: Residents of Tumonikhol village in Thuamul Rampur block in Kalahandi district have threatened to boycott future elections if their long-pending demand for an electricity connection is not met.
The village, home to about 200 people from 45 families, continues to remain without electricity.
Villagers say lack of power has severely affected their daily lives and studies of the children, apart from depriving them of basic amenities.
A solar lighting system installed in the village a year ago has become defunct due to the use of substandard materials.
As a result, students are struggling to study after sunset, while residents of the hilly village face the constant threat of venomous reptiles at night.
Villagers have to travel miles to neighbouring villages to get their mobile phones charged. Absence of electricity has also hampered implementation of the Basudha drinking water project.
Demanding immediate electrification, residents warned of a poll boycott if the issue remains unresolved.
Electricity department engineer Shubhrajit Jena said a list of villages awaiting electrification had been sought from the block administration and a survey would be conducted once it is received.
However, block officials said the list had already been provided to the department concerned.
Further action will be taken as per directions from higher authorities.