People protest against power crises in UP

Lucknow, Apr 23 (UNI) People took to the streets today to protest against long power cuts and water crisis in several districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Due to the blistering heat, demand for power had increased, even after importing 3700 mw from the central sector and generating about 2600 mw, UP still has a shortage of about 2500 mw as the demand during the peak hours rises to 8200 mw.

Power crisis in the state has affected the rural areas more than the cities, as power cut in the villages goes up to 18 hours per day leading to problems for irrigation.

People of the state, who were already battling against the power crises are in dismay as they are having tough time in accumulating water for their daily requirements.

Irked over the present situation, in several districts, including Bareilly and Etawah, people staged a demonstration by raising slogans against the administration.

In Bareilly, people gheraoed the power department office in Rampur Bagh and also handed over a memorandum to district administration asking to avail 18 hrs of power supply, besides, uninterrupted power supply at night.

In Etawah, people took out a procession with candles to protest against the crises.

Earlier, on Monday, medical students in Etawah created ruckus in front of power department office and expressed their anger by vandalising office property.

According to report received from drought affected Mahoba, undeclared power cuts and busting of transformers have hit the normal life of the people. Incidents of line thefts has further created furore among the locals and the matter may now pose a threat to the law and order situation in the district.

UNI PDM RSC KK HS1438