While the Tehri dam is touted as a major achievement in power generation, hundreds of people living in three villages near the dam have continued to live without electricity supply. The villagers have repeatedly sought the facilitation of power supply to the hamlets but the officials concerned have remained apathetic to their demand.
Situated near the Tehri dam in Chamba development block, the Motanadhar, Chulusain and Gangaldyu villages have not yet had the basic facility of electricity supply. In total, about 250 persons are living in the Motanadhar, Chulusain and Gangaldyu villages. Though living in villages situated near the Tehri dam, proper electricity supply appears more of a dream for the residents of these three villages. Due to the absence of electricity supply, most of the villagers are forced by conditions to remain indoors after sunset.
Without any electricity, the villagers are not able to use varied implements including mobile phones and televisions. The residents of these villages complain that the absence of electricity exerts a detrimental effect especially on the studies of school children.
Whereas different States are powered with electricity generated at the Tehri dam not far from Chamba, leaving these three villages in the area without electrification also raises questions regarding the functioning of departments concerned.
Former Gram Pradhan Ramesh lekhvar said that absence of electricity supply is one of the major factors forcing villagers to migrate while the financially weaker people who cannot even afford the cost of migration continue to live in the villages.
In addition to repeated visits and communications with departmental officials so far, an agitation was also held by the villagers in support of their demand for electrification. However, the officials concerned have so far remained apathetic to the situation and problems being faced by the villagers.
When asked about the issue, the power corporation SDO SK Gautam said that proposal for electrification of the villages has been sent to the State administration and necessary action will be taken as soon as the proposal is approved.