‘Illegal’ power supply to houseboats worsens load shedding in Sunamganj

Allegations of illegal electricity connections to hundreds of tourist houseboats operating around Tanguar Haor and along the rivers of Sunamganj have raised concerns over revenue losses, worsening load shedding and growing public safety risks.
According to local residents, a group has been illegally extending power lines from rural electricity metres installed at riverside homes, shops, and establishments to supply electricity to houseboats equipped with modern facilities, including air conditioners, IPS units, lighting systems, fans, sound systems, and other electronic appliances.
Residents alleged that despite the widespread practice, local authorities of the Sunamganj Palli Bidyut Samity have not taken effective action, allowing the number of illegal connections to grow steadily.
The unauthorised connections are reportedly being used in several areas, including Sahib Bari Ghat, Launch Ghat, Abdur Zahur Bridge area, Bishwambarpur, Jamalganj, Madhyanagar, Tahirpur market ghats, Anwarpur market, Shaheed Siraj Lake, Shimul Bagan, Manigaon, Laudergarh, Barek Tila and areas surrounding Tanguar Haor.
Locals from Mallikpur, Baithakhali and Sahib Bari Ghat said the illegal supply of electricity to houseboats has become a major cause of load shedding while also posing serious risks of fire and electrocution. They also alleged that the government is losing substantial revenue due to power theft.
A number of locals unwilling to be named in Takerghat, alleged that electricity is often drawn directly from abandoned office, shop and residential metres, while in some cases houseboats are connected directly to power transmission lines.
Those involved in the practice disconnect the lines during the day and reconnect them when needed, making detection difficult, they explained.
Managers of local coal depots suggested that disconnecting unused metres at abandoned facilities and conducting regular drives against illegal connections could help curb the problem. They also called for stricter enforcement, including legal action against offenders.
However, houseboat owners and operators denied the allegations, claiming that they use generators and other independent power sources to run electrical equipment and do not rely on illegal grid connections.
Contacted for comment, Milon Kumar, general manager of Sunamganj Palli Bidyut Samity, acknowledged the existence of illegal connections and said authorities have conducted drives to disconnect them. "It is not possible to monitor every household continuously. We have disconnected many illegal connections in the past, but some people reconnect them through various means. We are continuing our campaign against power theft," he said.
Local residents and civil society members have urged authorities to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts to prevent electricity theft, reduce load shedding and minimise the risk of accidents.