September 3rd 2023.
Leader of Opposition slams govt for power shortage
The leader of opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu has strongly criticized the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government for the power shortage in Andhra Pradesh. He expressed his shock and horror at the visuals of doctors treating patients under mobile phone torch light in a government hospital in Parvatipuram. He said, "Power cuts are causing immense suffering across various sectors in Andhra Pradesh, including households, agriculture, and industry. People have taken to the streets to protest against the persistent electricity shortages. Jagan has failed to provide a stable and reliable power supply."
Kurupam PHC's not an isolated incident
The incident at Primary Health Centre in Kurupam was not an isolated one. Similar scenes were reported from Area Hospital at Salur town in the same district. The hospital was plunged into darkness due to a power cut, following a thunderstorm. The blackout caused severe inconvenience to patients, as the medical staff had to provide emergency treatment to them under the flashlight of their mobile phones.
Authorities resorting to unscheduled power cuts
The authorities in several parts of the state have been resorting to unscheduled power cuts for the last few days. This is due to the increased power demand caused by the long dry spell. At a review meeting, officials apprised the Chief Minister that the demand for electricity has shot up by 18 per cent compared to last year due to the dry spell. Power crisis had gripped the state during the summer, as every sector from domestic to agriculture and industry had to face power cuts due to a huge gap between demand and supply.
Delayed monsoon worsened the situation
The situation did not ease due to the delayed monsoon and a long dry spell in July-August. The Chief Minister had stated that the government is spending money to procure power at a higher price of Rs 7.52 per unit in order to maintain power supply. He also said that the state government had spent a total of Rs 2,935 crore in the period between March and August, in order to procure power.
The situation in Andhra Pradesh has been dire for some time, and it is time that the authorities took immediate steps to solve the power crisis. It is unfortunate that the citizens of the state are faced with such extreme conditions due to the lack of electricity.
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