Berhampur: The Ganjam district administration has commenced efforts to electrify Subarnapur, a hamlet in Odisha’s coastal region, following a directive from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. During his opening remarks at a two-day conference for District Collectors and SPs in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister highlighted Subarnapur, which has been without electricity, and instructed the Ganjam Collector to expedite the electrification process for this small tribal community. The day after the Chief Minister’s instruction, district administration officials and personnel from Tata Power Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) visited the hamlet to begin installing approximately 30 electric poles and a 25-kva transformer to provide power to the village, which consists of 25 households.
Ganjam Collector Keerthi Vassan V stated that the electrification is expected to be completed within the next seven to ten days. Subarnapur, part of Chemedihill village, had previously been electrified with solar panels by the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (OREDA) several years ago. However, after a period of operation, the system became inoperative. An official noted that the villagers did not report the malfunctioning system, leading to years of darkness, forcing students to study with lanterns and candles. Similarly, at least seven other tribal villages in the Dharakote block are also without electricity, including Jhirijhira, Guduruguma, Punjiba, Batakhala in Balarampur panchayat, and Jayasingi and Khajurijhola in Saba panchayat.
Dharakote Block Development Officer Sangram Keshari Jena confirmed that TPSODL has been notified to prioritize the electrification of these areas. The Chief Minister has set a target of 2027 for ensuring power and water supply in every village across the State.