Residents of Ojapara, a locality in Guwahati’s western Azara subdivision, faced a troubling Ojapara Power Short incident on the morning of May 30. Several households experienced flickering lights and, in some cases, momentary electrical fires due to the malfunction. The incident sparked alarm as the short circuit had the potential to escalate into a more serious hazard.
Concerned about the situation, a resident promptly contacted the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) control room at 7:39 AM to report the fault. The consumer was reassured that a response team would be dispatched soon to investigate and resolve the problem.
Delay and Dismissal Fuel Resident Frustration
Despite the APDCL office being located just 300 meters from the affected area, no personnel arrived for over an hour. When the resident called again around 9:15 AM to follow up, the response from the APDCL official was reportedly dismissive and unhelpful, with the employee asking the caller to explain the nature of the fault. This response left the resident stunned and frustrated.
Further attempts to escalate the matter by directly contacting the Subdivisional Officer of APDCL were met with dismissive remarks, with the officer reportedly telling the caller not to disturb them early in the morning. This attitude and lack of urgency deepened the concerns among local residents, who viewed the response as gross negligence in a critical utility service.
Eventually, an APDCL team did arrive and conducted inspections of the power lines, resolving the Ojapara Power Short issue. However, the delay raised serious questions about the efficiency and accountability of the power distribution officials.
Calls for Accountability and Improved Emergency Response
The Ojapara Power Short incident has sparked widespread criticism among Ojapara residents, who expressed fears over the potential consequences had the short circuit escalated into a fire or caused harm. One affected citizen voiced the community’s anxiety, asking, “Had the short circuit led to a fire or loss of life, who would have taken responsibility?”
The Ojapara Power Short has brought attention to the urgent need for improved emergency response mechanisms within APDCL, especially given the sensitive nature of power distribution services. Local consumers are demanding better accountability, timely action, and more responsible behavior from officials in such situations.
This episode underscores the critical role power distribution agencies play in ensuring public safety and highlights the growing frustration among citizens over perceived negligence and slow action in emergencies. The call from Ojapara residents is clear: effective and prompt service must be prioritized to prevent such risks in the future.
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