Bhubaneswar, May 23 -- Frequent power outages amid intense heat and high humidity triggered protests in several parts of Odisha. Residents alleged prolonged disruptions in electricity supply and inadequate response to repeated complaints.

As temperature remain elevated across the state, consumers reported electricity interruptions lasting several hours. In some areas, residents staged demonstrations wearing saris or carrying handheld fans, while road blockades were also reported in protest against the outages.

Electricity Consumers' Association president Ramesh Satpathy questioned the preparedness of authorities to deal with increased summer demand.

"Every year, power cuts occur during the summer and the explanation given is that the s...