Kaushambi, July 19 – The residents of Mendua Salempur village in Kaushambi district are grappling with a severe and persistent electricity crisis that has disrupted not just their daily lives but also essential services like drinking water supply. The irregular and low-voltage power supply has become a major concern for the villagers, especially as the summer heat intensifies.
According to local residents, electricity supply has become highly erratic—sometimes available for just a couple of hours, and at other times, absent for an entire day. This unpredictability has brought routine activities to a standstill. A major issue reported is that due to low voltage, submersible water pumps are unable to function, leading to a growing crisis of drinking water in the village.
“This isn’t just about electricity now,” said a local villager. “When pumps stop working, people go without water. It’s a question of our basic survival.”
The situation has reached a point where some parts of the village receive electricity while others remain completely powerless. Such inconsistency is causing widespread frustration and concern among the villagers.
Adding to the problem, frequent incidents of electrical cable burnouts have been reported, and often only one phase of electricity is available, leaving many electrical appliances useless. This has further impacted domestic chores, small businesses, and especially children’s studies, as they struggle to cope with poor lighting and unreliable power for electronic devices.
Residents say they have raised the issue multiple times with electricity department officials. While in some instances, temporary solutions were provided, more often than not, their complaints are either ignored or addressed after long delays.
What troubles the villagers most is the lack of accountability. “There is no one taking responsibility,” said another resident. “The local electricity workers show up occasionally, but there’s no permanent solution. The cables are old, and nothing is being upgraded.”
The villagers are demanding immediate intervention from the district administration and state government. They want a permanent solution to the electricity issues, timely maintenance of power lines, and clear accountability for lapses. They also call for strict action against officials who neglect their duties, as the power problem has now escalated into a matter of fundamental rights.
As per legal experts, the right to access clean water and electricity falls under the Right to Life enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has held that the right to live with dignity includes access to basic amenities such as water, electricity, and education. Denial of these services due to negligence can be considered a violation of constitutional rights.
The people of Medua Salem Pur are not just asking for electricity—they are demanding their right to live a dignified life. The ongoing crisis serves as a grim reminder that infrastructure development and public accountability must go hand in hand to ensure that no village is left behind in India’s journey toward progress.