Storm-Induced Power Outage Brings Nainital to a Standstill

A severe storm and hailstorm caused a major power outage in Nainital, damaging power lines and affecting around 80,000 residents and businesses. The Uttarakhand Power Corporation suffered significant financial losses. Efforts are ongoing to restore the power supply and assess additional damage, while businesses struggle with compounded challenges.

A violent storm accompanied by heavy hailstorm caused significant disruptions in Nainital, leading to a widespread power outage for nearly two days, officials reported on Tuesday.

Vital power lines were damaged by falling trees, impacting 80,000 residents, tourism-based businesses, and even local court proceedings. The Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) estimates a financial hit ranging from Rs 50-60 lakh due to the extensive damage. Efforts are underway to restore electricity, with UPCL's Kumaon zone chief engineer, Rajendra Gunjyal, emphasizing that power restoration is their primary focus, and a detailed damage assessment will follow.

Local businesses, particularly those relying on tourism, faced numerous challenges. Already struggling with an LPG shortage, many were forced to halt operations, incurring further losses. Power was eventually restored on Tuesday morning, bringing much-needed relief to the affected areas and allowing normalcy to gradually return.

(With inputs from agencies.)