Fact check: Power Cut Due To Pending Bills At Vij Durga Temple

A brief power disruption at the famous Indrakeeladri Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple in Vijayawada sparked widespread discussion across Andhra Pradesh. The incident led to speculation that electricity was disconnected due to pending power bills. Here is a clear, fact based explanation of what actually happened.

According to officials of the Durga Malleswara Swamy Devasthanam, the power supply to the temple was temporarily stopped for about one hour and later restored after discussions with the electricity department. The issue was related to electricity billing and not any permanent disconnection.

Temple authorities clarified that for the last two years, the temple management has been supplying around 24 megawatts of electricity every day free of cost to the Andhra Pradesh power department through its solar power plant located near Apparaopeta and Pamula Kalava. In return, the electricity department has been providing free power to ten temple related service connections.

However, the power department recently raised bills for these service connections and asked the temple to clear the dues. This led to discussions between both sides. The electricity department stated that despite repeated notices, nearly Rs 3.20 crore in pending bills had not been paid within the stipulated time, which prompted the temporary power cut.

When the electricity supply was stopped, temple officials immediately switched to generators to ensure essential services continued. Still, there was some inconvenience for devotees as lifts and air conditioners did not function for a short period.

After temple authorities held talks with senior electricity department officials, the issue was addressed and power supply was restored within an hour. Both sides confirmed that discussions are ongoing to resolve the billing matter amicably.

The power cut at Indrakeeladri temple was temporary, quickly resolved, and linked to a billing dispute, not neglect or deliberate action against the temple.