India, Dec. 23 -- Even after repeated promises of rural electrification by the government, darkness continues to rule large parts of Odisha's Malkangiri district. According to information, electricity has not yet reached 139 villages in the district, forcing nearly 5,000 families to live without power supply.

The situation has affected an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 people, who remain virtually cut off once night falls. With no electricity supply, villagers are forced to stay indoors after sunset.

Chitrakonda block has highest number of unelectrified villages Government data shows that the Chitrakonda block accounts for the highest number of unelectrified villages, with 67 villages still waiting for power connections. Many of these villa...