Residents of the Built UP housing society in Yamuna City, Sector 22D, Noida, have been grappling with a severe power outage for the past five days. The blackout, which began on August 15, has left the community of 8,000 apartments without electricity, following the alleged theft of three electricity transformers from the area. The situation has been exacerbated by the stifling heat, with temperatures consistently exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
The power disruption coincided with a visit by officials from the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) on August 14, aimed at addressing various civic issues. Residents claim that the theft of the transformers occurred shortly after this visit, plunging the housing complex into darkness and leaving residents struggling with basic amenities. The YEIDA General Manager has attributed the continued power shortage to a “technical glitch” despite efforts to supply electricity from an alternate line. According to officials, while some power was restored on August 18, several apartments remain without electricity due to ongoing technical difficulties. An FIR for the theft has yet to be filed, which has further compounded residents’ frustrations.
Residents have expressed their discontent, highlighting the dire living conditions they are enduring. “After the YEIDA CEO and his team visited Sector 22D, at least three transformers were stolen, causing a severe power outage amid this sweltering heat. We have repeatedly contacted the officials without any resolution,” a local resident stated. They have criticised the authorities for their inadequate response and lack of progress in addressing both the theft and the technical issues.
In response, the YEIDA General Manager confirmed that measures are being taken to rectify the power issues and assured that an FIR will be filed regarding the transformer theft. “We are working diligently to resolve the technical glitches affecting power distribution and are committed to addressing the residents’ concerns. An FIR will be lodged, and we are taking all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future,” he stated. Residents, however, remain sceptical and plan to escalate the matter to the YEIDA CEO, demanding prompt action and accountability from the lower-level staff. The situation underscores the challenges facing the housing complex in ensuring reliable utility services amidst rising urban infrastructure demands.