Why Are Hundreds of Villages in Kandhamal Still Living in Darkness?

Electricity Remains a Distant Dream for Many

In Phulbani, the absence of electricity plunges numerous villages into darkness after sunset, compelling residents to remain indoors due to the threat posed by wild animals and other dangers. The lack of power has severely disrupted essential services, including mobile connectivity and online access.

Out of 2,599 villages within 171 gram panchayats in the Kandhamal district, 342 remain without electricity. The insufficient power grid infrastructure is cited as a primary reason for this issue. Additionally, the government's PM Surya Ghar Yojana has not made significant progress in the area, with only 12 beneficiaries receiving power under this initiative, highlighting a stark contrast between demand and supply.

The situation is particularly dire in the blocks of Baliguda, Kotagarh, Tumudibandha, and Daringbadi. Currently, Kandhamal is served by two 132-KV power grids located in Phulbani and G Udayagiri. A 220-KV grid built six years ago at Sirtiguda near Daringbadi, costing approximately Rs 100 crore, remains inactive due to pending forest clearance for tower construction. Once operational, this grid is expected to alleviate the local power shortage.

The delay in this project has left many villagers without options. District officials have indicated that plans are in motion to extend electricity to all unelectrified villages, with a detailed project report (DPR) of Rs 30 crore submitted to the state government. District Chief Development Officer Shambhunath Nandi stated that electrification work would commence promptly if the proposal receives approval. Approximately 1.67 lakh households in the Phulbani division have already been electrified.

Despite this progress, many areas still experience low voltage due to inadequate supply. Officials emphasize the need for new grids to resolve these issues. Meanwhile, the Union government's rooftop solar project in Kandhamal has seen slow progress, with only 12 households participating out of a target of 10,000. Villagers are hesitant to apply for solar power, as they currently benefit from free or subsidized electricity under existing government programs, making even heavily subsidized solar options less appealing. Manas Ranjan Maharana, the executive engineer of the Phulbani division, confirmed that the Energy Department aims to achieve 100% electrification in the district by next year.