Villagers are angry due to a 15-day power outage at Dhanbad's Jharia Bastacola Colliery. In protest, people locked down the BCCL office and warned of halting coal project operations if the transformer is not replaced.
Dhanbad: Bastacola Colliery, located in the Jharia region of the district, has been plunged into darkness for the past 15 days. Approximately 20,000 people are affected by the disruption in power supply to the area. Despite the transformer burning out 15 days ago, BCCL management has not taken any initiative to repair it, leading to increased anger among the local populace, who have begun protesting outside the BCCL office.
Crisis Worsens After Transformer Burns Out
Power supply to the area around Bastacola Colliery has been disrupted for the past two weeks. Local residents state that the main 500 KV transformer suddenly burned out, plunging the entire locality into darkness. People are distressed by the lack of electricity, even during religious occasions like Durga Puja.
Daily activities in local businesses and homes have come to a standstill. People stated that the situation has become even more challenging for children and the elderly. Furthermore, residents are struggling for basic necessities like mobile charging and food and water.
Villagers Surround BCCL Over Power Outage
In protest against the power outage, villagers blocked the gate of BCCL's Bastacola Colliery office on Wednesday. Demonstrators began a sit-in and expressed their anger by locking down the office. Villagers allege that BCCL management has shown no interest in repairing the transformer for 15 days.
Those present at the protest site also demanded the transfer of Area Engineer Nirmal Das. They stated that if their demands are ignored, they will intensify their protest. The active participation of the villagers has increased pressure on the administration and management.
Life Disrupted by Power Cuts
Residents of Bastacola are facing difficulties in their daily routines due to the power crisis. The absence of electricity is affecting water pumping, cooking in homes, and educational activities. Local shopkeepers report that business has also been adversely affected, and people are hesitant to shop.
This crisis has also impacted health services. Local clinics and health centers are able to provide only limited services due to the lack of electricity. Villagers state that if a solution is not found soon, the situation could become more severe.
Villagers Issue Warning
Protesters have warned that if their demands are not met soon, they will halt coal project dispatches. Hundreds of people participated in this protest, including Dinesh Paswan, leader of the Janta Shramik Sangh; Mahendra Paswan, Congress leader; and Ramdev Sharma, BJP leader.
BCCL management has assured that the problem will be resolved soon and electricity will be restored before Durga Puja. However, villagers state that immediate action is needed rather than mere assurances. They clarified that they will continue their protests until the issue is resolved.
