Kalahandi,Thuamul Rampur, June 18 (UDN): Residents of Tumnikhol village under Thuamul Rampur block in Odisha’s Kalahandi district have threatened to boycott future elections if their long-pending demand for electricity connectivity is not fulfilled.
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Home to around 200 people from 45 families, the remote village continues to remain without electricity despite repeated appeals to the authorities. Villagers allege that the absence of power supply has severely affected their daily lives, education, communication, and access to basic services.
According to residents, a solar lighting system installed in the village about a year ago became non-functional due to poor-quality materials. As a result, students struggle to continue their studies after sunset, while families are forced to rely on traditional lighting sources.
The lack of electricity has also created significant challenges for communication, with villagers reportedly travelling several kilometres to nearby areas to charge their mobile phones. Residents further claim that the absence of power has affected the effective implementation of drinking water supply schemes in the village.
Expressing frustration over years of neglect, villagers have warned that they will boycott elections if immediate steps are not taken to provide electricity to the village.
Officials from the electricity department stated that Tumnikhol is among several villages awaiting electrification. Authorities have indicated that necessary surveys and administrative procedures are underway, and further action will be taken as per directions from higher authorities.
The issue has once again highlighted the challenges faced by remote tribal and rural communities in accessing basic infrastructure and essential public services.
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