26-05-2025
Power outage for four days running cripples Baltana market in Punjab
Following heavy rain and thunderstorms on Wednesday and Saturday nights, the electricity supply system in Baltana market in Zirakpur, Mohali, has been severely disrupted, causing significant inconvenience to residents and traders. Although a scheduled power cut was announced by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) on Sunday, shopkeepers in the Baltana market area claim they have been without electricity for the past four days, resulting in major business losses.
According to the traders, their operations have come to a standstill due to the prolonged outage. They allege that linemen are demanding bribes to restore electricity to their shops. Already struggling with low footfall due to the sweltering heat, the traders say they are now facing an added burden of corruption and poor service.
Sixteen shopkeepers from the area reported that power has been cut off at their shops for four consecutive days. When they contacted the concerned linemen for resolution, they were allegedly asked to pay Rs 1,000 per shop to get the issue fixed. This demand has sparked outrage among the traders and local residents, who claim that corruption has worsened rather than declining under the current government.
The traders further allege that even after paying the demanded amount, there has been no resolution to their problem. They added that the PSPCL officials, including the SDO and JE responsible for the area, have not been answering calls made to lodge complaints. This has added to their frustration, as they continue to face financial losses and operational difficulties.
Dairy shop owners, in particular, reported heavy losses as perishable items like milk, curd, paneer, and other refrigerated products worth thousands of rupees are spoiling due to lack of electricity. Residents are also facing severe difficulties, with many forced to rely on candles and generators to meet basic needs.
With temperatures soaring during the summer, the demand for electricity has increased significantly. As a result, power faults and strong winds are causing repeated disruptions, leaving people without electricity for hours. While the PSPCL is reportedly receiving a high volume of complaints daily, staff shortages are making it difficult to meet the growing demand.
When The Indian Express tried to contact Surinder Singh Bains, the PSPCL Executive Engineer (XEN) of Zirakpur, for a comment, he did not respond to repeated phone calls and WhatsApp messages.
