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Lucknow Power Crisis: Amidst the scorching heat in Uttar Pradesh, power crisis is now becoming a big challenge for the government. The situation in the capital Lucknow became so bad that electricity remained missing in many areas for 8 to 9 hours. Troubled by the humidity and heat, people took to the streets late at night, resulting in traffic jams and the administration had to deploy additional security to handle the situation.

Amidst the ever increasing complaints and public anger, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called an emergency review meeting at 10:30 am on Sunday and given a clear message that now direct action will be taken against negligence. Meanwhile, the suspension of two senior officials has intensified the stir in the electricity department.

Electricity cut off overnight in Lucknow, people angry

The situation went out of control in the capital Lucknow after a cable fault on Friday evening. Electricity could not be restored throughout the night in areas connected to Faizullaganj and FCI sub-centre. After hours of darkness, the anger of the local people was visible on the streets. People protested by blocking Buddheshwar Square and Bandha Road. People alleged that it became difficult to live in their homes due to electricity being missing for hours in the scorching heat. Many families remained troubled throughout the night without fans and water.

Many areas affected by 8-9 hour power cut

There was no electricity in Faizullaganj and Muneshwarpuram for about 8 to 9 hours. Apart from this, complaints of undeclared power cuts were also reported in Chowk, Gomtinagar and many surrounding areas. The impact of the power crisis was not limited to homes only.

• water supply disrupted
• Cooler and AC remained switched off
• small businessmen affected
• Shops and business establishments suffered losses

The power cut amidst the scorching heat increased the problems of the people manifold.

Two officers were punished

After increasing complaints and deteriorating system, the government has started taking strict steps. Two executive engineers who were negligent in handling the power supply system in Ghaziabad and Meerut were suspended on Saturday. According to sources, after the high level meeting of the Chief Minister, action can be taken against more officials also. The government now seems to be in no mood for any laxity regarding the power crisis.

CM Yogi called high level emergency meeting

In view of the increasing power crisis across the state, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called an emergency review meeting on Sunday morning. Senior officials of the Energy Department and Managing Directors of Discoms will attend this meeting. These issues are likely to be discussed in the meeting:

• frequent power cuts
• Technical faults and cable faults
• Transmission system problems
• Overloading and Fault Management
• Delay in disposal of complaints

It is believed that after the meeting, major decisions can be taken to improve the power supply system.

31 sub-stations declared sensitive, PAC deployed

In view of the continuous protests, the administration has declared 31 power sub-stations in and around Lucknow city as sensitive. PAC personnel have been deployed at Uttaretiya, FCI and Faizullaganj sub-centres to keep the situation under control. The administration fears that if the power crisis does not end soon, people's anger may increase further.

Why did the power crisis deepen?

Experts associated with the Energy Department say that due to the scorching heat the demand for electricity has reached record levels. The increasing use of ACs, coolers and other appliances has increased the pressure on the electricity network. Apart from this, old transformers, dilapidated cables and technical faults are also becoming major causes of crisis in many areas.

Now will the public get relief?

The people of the state are now expecting relief from the Chief Minister's meeting. It is believed that the government can soon take major steps to improve the power system, fix accountability and strengthen the technical infrastructure. Because at present electricity in Uttar Pradesh has become not just a convenience but the biggest need of the people.