In darkness since Independence, Assam border village in Dhubri gets electricity

Dhubri, Feb 12: In a landmark development, residents of Choto Pokalagi, a remote village along the Assam–West Bengal boundary, have received electricity for the first time since Independence, ending decades of isolation from the power grid.

Choto Pokalagi occupies a unique geographical position. Though administratively part of Assam, it is surrounded on all sides by West Bengal territory. The unusual location and logistical constraints had kept the village disconnected from the electricity network for generations.

For years, residents had petitioned government departments and local representatives seeking basic power connectivity. With little progress, households continued to rely on kerosene lamps and other traditional sources of lighting.

On Thursday, their long wait came to an end. In a coordinated effort between Assam Power Distribution authorities and the West Bengal electricity department, arrangements were made to extend power supply to the village.

“From today, we bid farewell to hurricane lamps,” a resident said, capturing the mood of celebration in the village.

Around 350 households in Choto Pokalagi have now been connected to the grid. Villagers described the electrification as transformative, saying it would improve access to education, healthcare and daily livelihoods.

The electrification of Choto Pokalagi marks a significant milestone in extending basic infrastructure to border areas and stands as a symbol of long-overdue development reaching one of Assam’s most isolated settlements.