Bengaluru: Power disruptions in the rural district of Bengaluru are causing substantial issues for various sectors, including agriculture, weaving, and industries. The unreliable power supply is hampering progress, leading to calls for government intervention.
This district is renowned for its agriculture, weaving, and industrial activities, encompassing over 70,000 hectares of farmland and extensive horticultural areas. The power loom industry, employing more than 16,500 weavers, is particularly hard-hit by the irregular power supply. Areas like Doddaballapur, where numerous families rely on weaving for their livelihoods, are severely impacted. Weavers are grappling with daily power cuts lasting 3-4 hours, significantly reducing saree production. Weavers who could typically craft two sarees a day now struggle to complete even one, resulting in a roughly 50% decline in overall saree production, directly affecting the income of these skilled artisans.
Furthermore, the hotel and bakery industry is also grappling with the consequences of these power outages, affecting their operations. Business owners like Prasad report increased challenges due to daily power interruptions. Electricity supply companies cite a problem in power generation as a backdrop to the supply issues, causing widespread problems for industries, agriculture, weaving, and students, with rural areas experiencing inconsistent electricity supply.
Farmers and weavers are urgently urging the government to take corrective measures to enhance power supply. The Raitha Sangha is preparing to stage a protest in Doddaballapur to demand reliable electricity supply.
The power interruptions in Bengaluru’s rural district are profoundly impacting the lives of its residents. Farmers struggle to irrigate their crops, weavers face challenges in saree production, students encounter difficulties studying at home, and businesses in the hotel and bakery industry are affected. It is imperative for the government to address the power supply issue promptly to invigorate agriculture, weaving, and other sectors, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for the people in the district.
