Amid scorching temperatures and severe heatwave conditions gripping northern India, residents of Faridabad district in Haryana took to the streets on Friday to protest against frequent power outages and inadequate water supply.
The protests were particularly prominent among residents living in villages and colonies along Sohna Road in Faridabad. Videos from the scene captured men, women, and children blocking roads, highlighting their frustration over the lack of essential services during the peak summer season.
Bacchu Singh, one of the protesters, expressed their grievances, stating, "Since the voting day on May 25, there has been no electricity or water. Everyone is troubled in this scorching heat." Another young protester emphasized the disconnect between promises made during elections and the current reality of insufficient services.
"We have 500 houses in our area, but officials disconnect power," a resident lamented, underscoring the difficulties faced by families, especially young children who are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
The heatwave has affected various parts of northern India, including the Delhi-NCR region, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, where temperatures have soared above 46 degrees Celsius in many places. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that relief from the intense heat is unlikely soon due to the sluggish progress of the southwest monsoon.
The protests in Faridabad underscore the critical need for reliable infrastructure and services to mitigate the impact of extreme weather conditions, reflecting the challenges faced by communities during such periods.
