IN PICS | Shiromani Akali Dal & BSP Lead Protests In Parts Of Punjab Against Erratic Power Supply

protest

The electricity demand in Punjab has peaked to over 14,000 MW a day, forcing the state-owned power utility PSPCL to impose unscheduled power cuts and regulatory measures on the industry. Against the erratic power supply, consumers at several places held protests and blocked roads, with the Opposition slamming the ruling Congress for not being able to meet the demand. (Image Source: PTI)

The Punjab government on Thursday reduced timings of government offices and ordered cut down on power supply to high energy-consuming industries as the electricity demand in the state soared to over 14,000 MW a day. Government offices in Ludhiana, switch off their air conditioners in line with Punjab CM's appeal to make judicious use of electricity.(Image Source: ANI)

Farmers have slammed the state government for not providing the promised eight-hour supply for paddy transplantation. "We are getting four to six hours of supply against the promise of eight hours. Farmers are forced to use generators to run motors that will add to their cost," said Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan according to PTI. (Image Source: ANI)

Shiromani Akali Dal leader, Harsimrat Kaur Badal said "Punjab has drastically fallen under Amarinder Singh & Congress' rule. State is facing power-cut of 10-12 hrs. They want to save the bill on the subsidies given on electricity. Farmers are forced to destroy their crops, they're on streets". (Image Source: ANI)

Shiromani Akali Dal party worker joined with Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) protest using hand fans against power crisis in Ropar, Punjab. (Image Source: ANI)

According to a statement, the PSPCL has also decided to impose power regulatory measures on industrial consumers by imposing two-day weekly offs on industry, including rolling mills, arc and induction furnaces with immediate effect. (Image Source: ANI)

Amid the ongoing rift within the Punjab Congress, Navjot Singh Sidhu took to Twitter to slam the government, "Truth of power costs, cuts, power purchase agreements & how to give free & 24-hour power to people of Punjab. There's no need for power-cuts in Punjab or for CM to regulate office timings or AC use of common people...If we act in the right direction".(Image Source: ANI)

Similarly, Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday too criticised the state government for unscheduled power cuts. "Power cuts by @capt_amarinder govt are deliberate excuse for denying free power to farmers at peak of paddy plantation. Era of long #PowerCuts is back though even rivals forced to admit we left Pb power surplus. @AamAadmiParty colluding with Capt. SAD won't remain mute witness," said Badal in a tweet.(Image Source: ANI)