Persistent power cuts disrupt pubic life

MANIKGANJ, May 16: An acute power crisis, driven by a large supply shortfall, continues to severely disrupt normal public life in Saturia upazila of Manikganj.
With electricity supply falling to less than half the demand, frequent load-shedding has become a constant reality in the upazila, affecting not only households but also healthcare, businesses, agriculture, and transportation.
According to sources from the Rural Electrification Board, electricity is
supplied to 44,797 consumers through six feeders in the upazila, with a total demand of around 14 megawatts. However, less than six megawatts are currently being allocated from the national grid.
To manage the shortfall, three feeders are kept shut every one hour on a rotating basis while the remaining three are kept operational.
As a result, consumers are experiencing load-shedding an average of 14
to 15 times a day.
Amid the ongoing heat wave, such frequent power outages have made life extremely unbearable. Children, the elderly, and the sick are the worst-affected.
Atika Rahman Rimi, a resident of Baliati union, said, "It's hot during the day, and at night there's no electricity. Children cannot sleep properly, and we are also falling ill. We need a quick solution to this situation."
Md. Khokon Mia from Gopalpur added, "Power goes out almost every hour. Without a fan, it's impossible to stay indoors. This is not a normal life. Children keep crying, and even the backup of rechargeable fans runs out. We have never faced such severe outages before."
The rising load-shedding has also increased the demand for alternative power solutions. Shops selling rechargeable fans, IPS, and batteries are witnessing a surge in customers.
Sohel, owner of Sohel Electronics in Saturia Bazar, said, "Two weeks ago, we used to sell 10 to 15 rechargeable fans a day.
Now we sell around 40 to 50 daily due to excessive load-shedding. Along with fans, IPS sales have also increased."
Healthcare services are also being directly affected. At the Saturia Upazila Health Complex, patients were seen moving to verandas when power cuts occurred due to unbearable heat inside the wards.
Antora Hossain Anika, a patient's
relative, said, "It's too hot on the third floor without electricity. We are forced to sit outside. Patients are becoming even more unwell due to the heat."
Upazila Health Officer Dr. Mamun Ur Rashid said, "Frequent load-shedding is causing serious disruption to both outpatient and inpatient services.
Pathology, X-ray, ultrasonography, and telemedicine services are being affected. Nebuliser service and ECG and others emergency tests often have to be suspended. Although we have a high-voltage generator, it cannot be operated due to a lack of fuel and budget."
Frequent power outages at night have also led to a rise in theft and robbery incidents, as criminals take advantage of the darkness.
Local resident Mamunul Islam said, "The entire area goes dark during power cuts. Electricity goes out several times every night and takes a long time to return. We now have to stay awake and guard our livestock and property."
The crisis has also impacted battery-operated vehicles. Due to inadequate charging, the number of easy-bikes and battery-run vehicles on the roads has decreased.
Md Selim Ahmed, a battery-run vehicle driver, said, "Without electricity at night, the batteries don't get fully charged. After two or three trips, the vehicle stops. Earlier, I used to earn 700 to 800 taka a day; now it's barely 200 to 300. Many drivers like me are facing financial hardship."
Local farmers reported that irrigation activities are being hampered due to power shortage, which may negatively affect crop production.
Farmer Hosen Ali said, "We cannot operate irrigation pumps without electricity. Most pumps in our area depend on power, so there is a risk of crop damage."
Waliur Rahman, deputy manager of the Saturia Rural Electrification Zonal Office, said, "Due to the global energy crisis, electricity generation in the country has declined. At the same time, demand has increased due to the recent heat wave. This is why load-shedding has intensified."
Experts stress the urgent need to increase power generation, invest in alternative energy sources, and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to critical facilities such as hospitals.
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