Jhamjad Pada, a small tribal hamlet in Gorai village in the western suburbs, finally got permanent electricity supply on Friday more than 70 years after India got independence. The work to electrify the hamlet having 52 houses of the tribal population got completed on Friday.
According to tribals of the hilly hamlet, their struggle to get electricity supply in their houses started in 2008. It was only after completing never-ending paperwork and permissions, the tribal families starting Friday finally got the power supply for the first time ever in their homes. Women from the hamlet gathered and danced to celebrate, while children appeared joyful.
Ishwar Nam, who resides at Jhamjad Pada said, “Our three generations have resided here, but till today we did not have electricity nor do we have tap water facility in our homes. Around two years ago we got a borewell dug, and now we have sufficient water for daily house chores.” Nam added, “Today, internet and mobile phones are a necessity, but in absence of power we had no facility for charging mobile phones. But after 10 years of struggle things have finally changed today.”
According to villagers, they were deprived of electricity considering the land ‘on paper’ is owned by the district collector, and the power supply company required a no objection certificate. “Not only district collector but there were many other layers from where permission was required. Today I am 53-year-old, when we first applied I was 42-year-old,” said Chandu Gopal, resident of Jhamjad Pada.
A statement issued by Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd said, “Children will now be able to study in light during the night and the working individuals will be able to venture out without fear as well. Making medical services available will also become easier. Access to electricity, has paved way for road development and a host of other opportunities. We are delighted to have completed the electrification of Jhamjad Pada.”