Topic: Group verb,

Best Answer Explained in Below-:

In the context of the sentence "Owing to power cut in the area, factories are being forced to ---", the correct answer is "D) lay off." This phrase typically refers to the temporary or permanent termination of employment for workers due to factors beyond the control of the employer, such as financial difficulties or operational interruptions.

When factories cannot operate due to power cuts, they cannot produce goods or maintain normal business operations, leading to an inability to keep their workforce fully employed. Consequently, laying off employees becomes a necessary action to manage costs during a period of reduced or halted production.

Let's consider the other options:

- A) "throw away" does not fit as it suggests disposing of items, which is irrelevant in the context of workforce management.
- B) "send off" implies sending someone away, which doesn't relate to job security or workforce reduction.
- C) "put off" generally refers to postponing something, which does not address the immediate implications of a power outage on factory operations.

Therefore, "lay off" is the most appropriate option as it directly correlates to the impact of the power cut on factory employment situations.