Caught between Naxals, Salwa Judum, tribals left ‘power’less

Over the past two years, in systematic attacks on power distribution network, Naxals have crippled supply lines to a major part of the area under their control. Power is now only available for a tribal population of about 50,000 which resides in Salwa Judum camps, while about double that number are deprived of the same.

The seriousness of the situation can be gauged from the fact that out of a total of 248 villages located in the Konta block of Dantewara district, 242 villages have been systematically devoid of power for the last two years. And over this period there has been no attempt by the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board (CSEB) to improve the situation.

Only six villages in the block — Dornapal, Konta, Errabore, Injaram, Pollampalli and Banda — right now have power supply. These villages are home to Salwa Judum camps and electricity availability is only left to these areas, a fact confirmed by CSEB Chairman Rajib Ranjan. Official sources said soon after the launch of Salwa Judum, extremists started targeting power distribution network in the area, leaving vast areas powerless. “Rural areas were being supplied electricity from power transmission centres in Konta and Dantewara. However, the extremists have blown off several power transmission poles to stop the flow of power and these can’t be repaired unless workers and engineers are escorted by a large contingent of security personnel as most of these transmission lines run through jungles infested with extremists,” Rajib Ranjan said. Police sources said the CSEB authorities can be provided adequate security personnel if they wish to repair or upgrade the electricity distribution network in the area.

Meanwhile, accusing the Government of trying to systematically ghettoise the tribal district, Congress Legislator from Konta Kawasi Lakma said: “Instead of repairing and improving power transmission infrastructure, the Government has decided to cut off supplies in various villages. There are several villages in the area where the tribal population is still residing. And by not making efforts to improve infrastructure in the area, the Government is further alienating the tribal population.”