At a time when the state government is celebrating two-years of governance, the residents of Dhanbad are having to face the brunt of acute power crisis.

Many are upset with the fact that when the residents are having to endure power cuts for long hours, the government is celebrating by inaugurating a series of schemes, instead of resolving the issue with DVC.

Traders of the town have been the worst hit due to the power crisis and hike in diesel prices. Unhappy with the state of affairs, they have now raised the issue through social media.

Talking to The Telegraph Online, Surendra Arora, state GST Council member, and former vice president of Federation of Dhanbad Zila Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FDZCCI), said, “The pandemic had already impacted the business of the city traders. Many had to move on to online trading. Continuous power crisis is now affecting the business.”

“Generators were being used to entertain the customers and do online trading. But the hike in diesel price has made its usage dearer,” said Arora.

He maintained that the traders have requested the state government to iron out the issues with DVC. “Due to the power crisis the traders are having to suffer despite paying bills on time,” said Arora.

Raising the issue of high diesel prices he said, “Had the VAT been reduced to 17% as per the demands of petroleum dealers then diesel would have been much cheaper.”

Echoing a similar sentiment, Anup Sao, Jharia-based social worker who is also the former councilor of Ward Number 37 of Jharia, said, “A host of schemes is being inaugurated today to mark the completion of two years of the government. But the celebration has no meaning for the Jharia residents who are having to face not just power crisis but also acute water crisis.”

“Load shedding marked by DVC to realize its dues worth Rs 2100 crore has aggravated since yesterday evening. Power supply has not resumed since 8 pm yesterday,” said Sao.

Amit Sahu, president of Jharia Chamber of Commerce, summed up by stating that the power and water crisis has made life hell for the 5 lakh residents of the coal town.