WB govt mounting pressure on CESC to restore power in Kolkata, its neighbourhood: Mayor

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim on Monday said the state government is mounting pressure on private power utility CESC for increasing its pace of work to restore electricity at all corners of the city, which was left in shambles after Cyclone Amphan struck on May 20.

The private power utility, however, insisted that it has "completed 95 per cent of the work", and electricity has been restored in most parts of Kolkata and its neighbourhood.

Protests have been raging on in several parts of the city, where the residents claimed that they have been going without power and water supply for the last five days.

Hakim, who is also the state urban development minister, said the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is doing its best to bring the city back on its foot by clearing roads and cleaning drains.

"The chief minister and the chief secretary are constantly mounting pressure on the CESC to expedite work. Enough is enough. I am requesting the CESC with folded hands to increase its manpower and finish the pending work," he said.

Noting that the CESC has given assurances that it would take measures to complete the remaining work in a day or two, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader said, "I hope the company lives up to its word."