Paddy transplantation hit, Dirba farmers lock substation

Sangrur, June 10

Annoyed at inadequate supply of power in the area, farmers today locked a PSPCL substation at Dirba and raised slogans against the authorities and state government.

“We have received only four hours of electricity supply during the past 72 hours. Officials at the PSPCL office had promised regular supply to the fields at night, but to no avail. We can’t reach officials as their phones are switched off. The PSPCL grid too is locked,” claimed Harjeet Singh, a farmer.

Other alleged despite government claims of giving them eight hours of daily supply, they weren’t getting even a part of it, affecting transplantation of paddy.

“Many other areas are receiving regular supply. But PSPCL officers are creating problems in our area. We urge senior authorities to look into the matter,” said Kulwant Singh, another protester. The farmers locked the main gate to the substation and prevented access to the grid.

Dirba Executive Engineer Munish Jindal admitted there were some technical issues. “The farmers have ended their protest. We are ensuring adequate supply to all areas. There was a technical problem and we will take care of it,” he said. — TNS