Terrible intense heat loadshedding in Sylhet: Public life disrupted

S A Shofiee,Sylhet:

On one hand, the people of Sylhet are facing terrible load shedding. On the other hand, there is intense heat. It seems that the people of Sylhet are not getting any relief. Day after day, lakhs of consumers are suffering due to shortage of electricity supply compared to demand, technical complications and equipment malfunctions.

Frequent load shedding has been associated with intense heat for the last few days. The common people have been suffering extremely due to lack of electricity for hours on end, day or night. The victims have expressed their anger from different areas.

According to the Power Development Board (PDB), as of 6 pm on Monday (October 20), the supply in Sylhet division was only 165 MW against the demand of 240 MW. This is a deficit of about 60 percent. In Sylhet district alone, 100 MW has been supplied against the demand of 160 MW. This crisis is causing frequent power outages. Power outages have become more severe, especially in rural areas under the jurisdiction of Palli Vidyut. In addition to disrupting work during the day, many are also unable to rest at night.

Meanwhile, another reason for the power outage in Fenchuganj Upazila is the fire incident in the Palli Vidyut control room. The incident that occurred last Friday night has damaged the power supply system of five upazilas including Fenchuganj. AGM of Fenchuganj Area Office Shamsul Islam said, “Equipment has been damaged due to the fire. Repair work is underway. For now, efforts are being made to supply power through alternative means.”

In this regard, Abdul Qadir, Chief Engineer of Sylhet Region of Bangladesh Power Development Board, said, “Load shedding has arisen due to less supply compared to demand. The matter has been reported to higher authorities and work is underway to resolve it.” If effective steps are not taken immediately, the general public and those involved in the power sector fear that the situation could become more complicated.