Sri Vijaya Puram, July 15: Residents of Baratang staged a protest on July 14 demanding immediate restoration of a reliable electricity supply after prolonged daily power outages of nearly 11 to 12 hours disrupted normal life, affected businesses and caused financial losses to the local fishing community. The protest comes amid concerns that the power infrastructure currently available in the area is unable to meet Baratang’s actual electricity demand.
According to local sources, Baratang requires around 1,500 kVA of electricity to meet its daily demand. However, the area has been provided with only a 500 kVA diesel generator (DG) set, which is insufficient to cater to the load. The situation has deteriorated further after the existing generator reportedly developed technical faults, resulting in prolonged interruptions in electricity supply.
With the Baratang generator unable to function effectively, authorities are currently managing electricity through alternative arrangements. Power is being supplied from the 1,000 kVA diesel generator installed at Kadamtala, which is simultaneously required to serve both Kadamtala and Baratang. In addition, Baratang receives partial electricity from Rangat, but residents said the supply is frequently affected by low voltage, making it inadequate to ensure uninterrupted power.
Residents said the combined arrangements have failed to meet the area’s electricity requirement, leading to power cuts lasting approximately 11 to 12 hours every day. The prolonged outages have affected households, commercial establishments and essential services, prompting growing public dissatisfaction and eventually leading to the protest.
The electricity crisis has also severely impacted Baratang’s fishing sector. Fishermen and fish traders said the prolonged absence of electricity has prevented them from operating refrigeration units used to preserve their catch. As a result, fish reportedly spoil before they can be marketed, forcing traders to discard stock and suffer significant financial losses.
Following the protest, the Assistant Engineer visited Baratang to assess the situation and inspected the existing diesel generator. During the visit, residents were informed that the spare parts required to repair the 500 kVA DG set would be procured at the earliest so that restoration work could begin without delay.
According to sources, the required spare parts are expected to arrive shortly, enabling repair work on the damaged generator to commence. Sources further indicated that the long-pending demand for installation of an additional 1,000 kVA diesel generator in Baratang is expected to be addressed in the near future. However, no official confirmation or timeline has been issued regarding the installation of the proposed generator.
Until the Baratang generator is restored, electricity supply will continue to be managed through the existing arrangements involving Kadamtala and Rangat.
Residents have expressed hope that the immediate repair of the damaged generator and the proposed installation of an additional 1,000 kVA DG set will provide a lasting solution to Baratang’s recurring power shortages.
