Noida Sector 44 Residents Demand Urgent Power Infrastructure Repairs Amid Safety Concerns
Over 15,000 residents of Sector 44 in Noida have been enduring frequent power outages and deteriorating infrastructure, sparking significant safety fears within the community. The persistent issues have disrupted daily life and highlighted critical maintenance failures in the area's electrical systems.
Infrastructure Breakdown and Safety Risks
Locals have identified multiple problems contributing to the power crisis. Rusted electrical panels with damaged doors pose immediate hazards, while three defunct transformers have remained out of service for an extended period. Additionally, a flood-prone substation often leaves equipment submerged during monsoon seasons, exacerbating the risk of electrical accidents.
About 7 to 8 kilometres of damaged cables have also gone unrepaired for years, further compromising the reliability of the power supply. These combined factors have created an environment where brief but frequent power cuts have become a norm, severely affecting residents' routines and safety.
Residents' Appeals and Official Response
Frustrated by the ongoing disruptions, residents have formally written to the chief engineer of the Noida power department, urging immediate repairs. Sudhir Sood, the general secretary of the Residents' Welfare Association (RWA), emphasized the severity of the situation.
"We have been facing power cuts for the past couple of months. Although they are often brief, they disrupt daily life significantly," Sood stated. He detailed the urgent need for replacing the rusted panels and addressing the non-functioning transformers to restore stable electricity.
In response, Chief Engineer SK Jain of the power department has acknowledged the issues and assured that they will be addressed promptly. However, residents remain cautious, awaiting tangible actions to mitigate the infrastructure decay and prevent potential safety incidents.
Broader Implications for Urban Infrastructure
This situation in Sector 44 underscores broader challenges in urban infrastructure maintenance, particularly in rapidly developing areas like Noida. The reliance on outdated and poorly maintained electrical systems not only inconveniences residents but also raises questions about municipal oversight and resource allocation.
As monsoon seasons approach, the flood-prone substation adds another layer of urgency, with submerged equipment likely to worsen power reliability. The community's proactive approach in documenting and reporting these issues highlights a growing demand for accountability and efficient public service delivery in urban governance.
