Power Outage at the Dhobighat

On the 5th of January, 2024, at 11:30 am, Dhobighat experienced a power outage in its main premises, which, as of now, remains unresolved. This outage has impacted the living conditions of six quarters, accommodating over six families and 30+ individuals. Dhobis, the laundry service providers, allege that this incident is part of a continued effort by the administration to challenge the legitimacy of their occupancy on campus.

In the aftermath of this occurrence, our team conducted an on-site visit to Dhobighat to delve deeper into the matter and gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

When the Institute was established, founding Director Prof Kelkar invited a group of dhobis to address the laundry needs of campus residents. Over the years, responsibilities passed down generations, with more families taking up washing work to serve the laundry needs of the growing student body. With the passing of the original male members, their children haven’t been formally allotted the property, forming the basis for the claim of illegal occupancy. This issue has drawn attention before, with Vox covering it in 2016 and 2023.

Following the power outage, the Dhobis approached the power substation seeking answers. Officials there suggested it might be an electricity fault and advised them to consult IWD Electricals. According to the Dhobis, IWD engineers attributed the issue to non-payment of electricity bills during the lockdown, a claim disputed by the Dhobis, citing financial challenges due to a lack of work. Eventually, the Electrical officials directed the Dhobis to seek resolution from the Dean of Infrastructure and Planning (DoIP).

In their meeting with the Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DoIP), the Dhobis informed officials about the power outage and submitted a formal letter outlining their concerns. However, according to the Dhobis, the DoIP conveyed to the Dhobis that a similar power cut might soon affect the Type-1 community lodging, where other Dhobis reside. The DoIP recommended reaching out to estate office officials for additional information.

Subsequent to their meeting with the DoIP, the Dhobis visited the estate office to address the power outage issue. As per their account, officials at the estate office reportedly declined to engage in any conversation with them. Since then, the Dhobis have been reaching out to various bodies for resolution, but as of now, they claim to have faced persistent challenges and have not received a satisfactory response

The ongoing power outage has posed significant challenges for the Dhobis, according to their account. They express concerns about the well-being of their children, noting that some have fallen ill due to the cold. Additionally, students among them facing imminent board exams are hindered in their studies due to the lack of electricity. The Dhobis also highlight the impact on their livelihoods, as the absence of electricity impedes their ability to carry out their washerman work effectively

Vox has initiated communication with the administration through official channels regarding the reported power outage at Dhobighat. Once a response is received from the administration, Vox will publish an update to ensure the community is informed. Obtaining the administration’s perspective is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

*Please note that the Dhobis’ statements about the administration’s response are their own claims. A more accurate assessment of the situation awaits official responses from the administration.*

Written by the team of Vox Populi