Tremendous support from CM in improving power generation
Shillong, Mar 27: The state Power department and Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd (MeECL) are constantly monitoring and taking measures to ensure safety of Umiam dam power minister AT Mondal told reporters on Thursday.
However, concern over safety of the dam could be minimised after completion of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) work, he said.
“We have restricted passing of heavy vehicles considering safety of the dam. Our people are stationed there and we have even kept a police force there to ensure safety of the dam,” Mondal said.
Admitting government’s concern over expiry of the dam’s lifespan in near future, he expects the matter to be discussed properly and plan of action chalked out.
He, however, mentioned about possibility of furthering the dam’s lifespan through technological intervention.
Underscoring the crucial role played by Umiam dam in the state’s power scenario, he said, “Umiam dam is currently supplying water for 216 MW of the four units of Umiam and also new Umtru power project near Byrnihat. All the water is going from Umiam reservoir. This is a matter of concern.”
Further, Mondal said the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has been entrusted to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for construction of an alternative route.
“An alternative bypass is required because this bridge was constructed and commissioned way back in 1965,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mondal claimed improvement in power generation by MeECL and reduction in load-shedding hours.
“We are working hand in hand to see that the functioning of MeECL is improved,” Mondal said while expressing his gratitude to chief minister Conrad Sangma for lending “tremendous support” to the initiative to improve functioning of MeECL.
“I am getting tremendous support from the chief minister. I never expected that he would support us to that extent,” he said.
While claiming that sufferings of people due to load-shedding has reduced a lot, Mondal however cautioned about power shutdown due to repair works and ongoing implementation of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
