Bokaro: The city is witnessing a stark electricity divide across the Garga River, where two neighbouring townships are experiencing sharply different realities. While the Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) township enjoys near-uninterrupted power even during peak summer, residents of Chas and Chira Chas continue to endure frequent outages and uncertainty.
Power Sources Abound, Yet Supply Uneven
The contrast stands out in a district that hosts major power sources such as Bokaro Thermal Power Station, Chandrapura Thermal Power Station, Tenughat Thermal Power Station and Bokaro Power Supply Company Limited (BPSCL). Despite this abundance, supply remains uneven across the region.
BSL Township: Uninterrupted Supply
The BSL township operates on a dedicated network supported by Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and BPSCL, drawing around 55 MW. This grid caters to more than 30,000 households, shops, plots and colonies, with repair teams restoring faults within hours. Residents report that disruptions are rare and response is swift.
Chas Subdivision: Frequent Outages
Chas subdivision, however, depends on the state grid and faces a demand of nearly 90 MW, including around 60 MW in Chas and Chira Chas alone. Officials claim supply has improved. The executive engineer of Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) S B Tiwari said, “The area is receiving 80 to 85 MW regularly and prolonged outages are now uncommon.”
Residents strongly dispute that claim. Anger peaked after a breakdown at the Phudnidih 33 kVA substation caused a blackout in Chira Chas for nearly 48 hours. Even after restoration, locals reported sudden cuts, especially at night, saying summer outages continue to disrupt daily life.
Political Reactions and Demands
The issue has turned political. Chas mayor Bholu Paswan and councillors have demanded accountability. Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha ordered officials to prioritise electricity, end evening cuts, inform the public if outages exceed three hours and act against theft. Bokaro MLA Shwettaa Singh and JMM leaders also pressed for lasting solutions, saying unreliable power is hurting homes, water supply and healthcare.
