What prompted the residents of Jharkhand’s Pakur to block the road for 10 hours?
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Synopsis
In Jharkhand's Pakur, residents took to the streets, blocking the main road for 10 hours due to ongoing power cuts. Their frustrations highlight a deeper issue with electricity supply in rural areas. With promises from officials, will the situation improve?
Key Takeaways
- Residents in Pakur protested due to severe power outages.
- Protest lasted 10 hours, causing major traffic disruption.
- Only 2-3 hours of electricity is provided daily.
- Officials promised to address the issue promptly.
- Similar protests occurred earlier in nearby villages.
Pakur (Jharkhand), July 24 (NationPress) Discontent over ongoing power outages drove hundreds of residents in Jharkhand’s Pakur to take action by blocking the Pakur-Dhuliyan main road for nearly 10 hours. The demonstration commenced around midnight on Wednesday and concluded on Thursday afternoon after officials engaged in discussions with the frustrated locals.
The protesters warned that if the electricity situation does not improve within 24 hours, they will resume their protests. Residents claim that the district receives only 2-3 hours of electricity daily, exacerbating their struggles in the midst of extreme heat and humidity.
They expressed concerns about the impact on schoolchildren’s education, as well as the challenges faced by the elderly and ill. Despite numerous complaints to authorities, they feel no action has been taken thus far.
The blockade resulted in significant traffic congestion on the Pakur-Dhuliyan road, leaving vehicles stuck for hours. Protesters shouted slogans against the Electricity Department.
Zonal Officer Sameer Alfred Murmu and Mufassil Police Station in-charge Sanjeev Jha arrived at the scene and assured the villagers that their concerns would be addressed. Murmu recognized the gravity of the situation and mentioned that a meeting with the district administration and power officials would occur soon to enhance the power supply.
Only after receiving this assurance did the villagers remove the blockade. This incident is part of a larger trend; just days prior, residents of Gopalpur village blocked the Hiranpur-Dangapada main road for about four hours due to a malfunctioning transformer. Similarly, on June 5, individuals in Littipada obstructed the Littipada-Sahibganj road near Tilka Manjhi Chowk, protesting low voltage and unreliable supply.
Rural inhabitants claim that the inconsistent power supply has become a chronic issue, significantly disrupting their daily routines. They issued a warning that if officials do not uphold their latest commitments, they will escalate their protests.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the persistent challenges faced by rural communities in India regarding electricity supply. The recent protests in Pakur shed light on a systemic issue that requires urgent attention from authorities. Ensuring consistent power supply is not just an infrastructure issue; it impacts education, health, and overall quality of life.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did residents block the road in Pakur?
Residents blocked the road due to ongoing power outages, receiving only 2-3 hours of electricity daily despite repeated complaints.
How long did the protest last?
The protest lasted nearly 10 hours, beginning around midnight on Wednesday and ending Thursday afternoon.
What did officials promise to do about the power situation?
Officials assured residents that a meeting with district administration and power officials would be convened to address the electricity supply issues.
What are the consequences of the power cuts for the community?
The power cuts significantly impact schoolchildren's education and pose challenges for the elderly and sick, leading to widespread community distress.
Will the residents protest again if the situation doesn't improve?
Yes, residents warned that they would resume protests if the power situation does not improve within 24 hours.
