Patharghata, Aug 28(V7N) — What once sounded like an exaggeration has become a daily reality for the people of Patharghata in southern Bangladesh: even a flash of lightning or a light gust of wind is enough to shut down electricity and communication networks across the region.

Located approximately 66 kilometers from the nearest substation in Bhandaria, Patharghata’s power supply depends on a long, fragile transmission line that frequently disconnects during inclement weather. Regular outages have disrupted almost every aspect of life in the area, including education, healthcare, commerce, and most critically, the fisheries sector.

With over 60,000 electricity consumers relying on 1,300 kilometers of local distribution lines, the outages affect nearly 300,000 residents of Patharghata upazila. According to local reports, even mild weather disturbances such as lightning or wind gusts cause immediate power failures. The unreliable connection often leaves residents without electricity for extended periods, and internet and mobile networks also collapse, further isolating the population.

The impact has been particularly severe on the fisheries industry, which is the economic backbone of the region. Patharghata is home to the second-largest fish landing station in Bangladesh. Due to power failures, ice production plants used to preserve fresh catch have become inoperable, leading to quality degradation and financial loss for thousands of fishermen.

Local traders report heavy losses as food items stored in refrigerators spoil during outages. “Every time the power goes, we lose stock. There is no compensation, and no certainty when the power will be back,” said one local shop owner.

Healthcare services have also been seriously affected. Dr. Nil Ratan Sarker, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, stated, “Due to power failures, we are unable to deliver proper medical care to patients. Diagnostic services are delayed, and vaccines stored in hospital refrigerators are going bad.”

In response to growing concerns, Arif Shahriar Fahad, Deputy General Manager of the Patharghata Zonal Office of Pirojpur Palli Bidyut Samity, explained that any disruption along the 66-kilometer line results in a total blackout for the entire upazila. “Identifying and resolving faults along such a long line is time-consuming, which is why frequent outages continue to plague Patharghata,” he said.

He added that approval has been granted for a new power connection from the Barguna grid, which would significantly improve the situation. However, he noted that the line would take more than a year to become fully operational.

Until then, residents and business owners in Patharghata remain in a state of uncertainty, facing repeated power cuts that affect their livelihoods, safety, and well-being. The demand for a dedicated local grid connection is growing louder as the region waits for a permanent solution.

END/MRR/SMA/