More than 500 families in Royal Town Colony in Pithampur, Dhar district, blocked the Mhow-Neemuch highway on Thursday morning to protest prolonged power cuts and severe water shortages. The blockade triggered traffic queues stretching around one kilometre, leaving school buses, office commuters and other motorists stranded.
Five-Day Power Outage Disrupts Daily Life
Residents said electricity had been unavailable in the colony for four to five days, while water shortages had made routine household activities increasingly difficult.
Tina Jadaun and other protesters said the colony had been inhabited for around 17 years, yet residents continued to struggle for basic amenities. They claimed households paid between ₹1,000 and ₹1,500 in monthly electricity bills despite the prolonged disruption.
Repeated Complaints Yield No Lasting Solution
Residents said they had approached the District Collector’s office and other authorities to report the electricity and water problems, but their complaints had failed to secure a lasting solution. They also accused the electricity department and the colony’s developer of failing to address their concerns.
Frustrated by the continued disruption, residents blocked the highway to demand action on the essential services crisis.
Police, Electricity Officials Reach the Spot
Kishanganj police reached the scene after receiving information about the blockade. Electricity department officials also arrived and held discussions with the protesters.
Officials attempted to persuade residents to end the protest and allow traffic to resume. The incident has brought renewed attention to residents’ complaints over unreliable electricity and inadequate water supply in the colony.