India, May 23 -- LUCKNOW As prolonged power cuts continued to cripple several parts of Lucknow amid the heatwave, protests intensified across the city with angry residents gheraoing power substations through Thursday night and Friday, alleging complete failure of the electricity distribution system and accusing officials of remaining inaccessible despite repeated complaints.

From Neelmatha to Rajajipuram, Aishbagh to Indira Nagar and Chinhat to Gomti Nagar Extension, people spent sleepless nights in sweltering heat as outages stretching from six to 16 hours disrupted electricity and water supply, forcing people onto the streets.

One of the biggest protests was reported from Neelmatha's Vijay Nagar and Shahinoor Colony, where over 500 ho...