World · India Bureau
West Bengal village gets electricity for first time since independence
Chakdah village in Hooghly district has received electrical connections for the first time in its post-independence history. The development has brought celebration to approximately 400 tribal families in the settlement.
LSN India ·
Chakdah, a remote settlement in West Bengal's Hooghly district, has finally been connected to the national power grid, marking a significant milestone for its predominantly tribal population of around 400 families. The arrival of electricity to the village comes more than seven decades after India's independence, transforming daily life for residents who have long relied on alternative energy sources.
The electrification project represents a major step forward in extending basic infrastructure to underserved rural communities across the state. Officials overseeing the initiative have prioritized village connectivity as part of broader development programmes aimed at bridging the urban-rural divide in infrastructure access.
Residents of Chakdah have expressed optimism about the prospects electricity will bring to their community. The timing of the connection, arriving ahead of the Diwali festival season, has added to the sense of celebration among villagers, who anticipate improved access to lighting, refrigeration, and other essential services.
The project underscores ongoing efforts by state and central authorities to ensure that remote and tribal-populated areas receive equitable access to modern utilities. Officials have indicated that similar electrification drives continue across other unconnected settlements in the region.