Shillong, Sept 27: Unhappy with the low-powered substation which is causing frequent power cuts in Ri Bhoi district, the Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM) on Friday requested the government’s help in resolving the issue.
The pressure group wrote a memorandum to Power Minister AT Mondal, seeking his intervention and highlighted severe issues plaguing the district’s power supply despite Ri Bhoi being the ‘largest producer of electricity in Meghalaya’.
In the letter, HNAM Ri Bhoi district said, “Despite the district’s critical role in power generation for the state, it continues to suffer from frequent and extended power disruptions, severely affecting the lives of the people and the development of the region.”
Ri Bhoi became a full-fledged District on June 4, 1992, with Nongpoh as its headquarters. Over the years, the population has grown steadily, leading to increased demand for electricity.
Terming the single 33KV Umsning-Jyntru power line which Nongpoh is dependent on as ‘grossly inadequate’ for a district of its size and importance, the letter highlighted that more than 400 villages and approximately 25,000 plus households depend on this ‘aging infrastructure. “There is an urgent need for a 132KV power substation to meet the growing demand and reduce the frequency of power failures,” it said.
Ri Bhoi District being home to five major power stations, HANM said these stations together generate 216 MW of electricity, making Ri Bhoi the largest producer of electricity in Meghalaya. Despite this significant contribution, the district, especially Nongpoh, continues to face frequent power cuts, it stated.
The pressure further said these disruptions sometimes last two to three days or more, crippling daily life, businesses, and essential services, adding that the over-reliance on a 33KV line has severely limited the district’s ability to meet its growing electricity demands.
Moreover, these outages have caused disparities between the rich and the poor, as wealthier families can afford alternative power sources such as generators and solar power, while poorer households are left in darkness, unable to charge even their mobile phones-a basic necessity in modern times, it said.
It further stated that Nongpoh, being the district headquarters, is home to several key institutions, including the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, the Superintendent of Police Office, the District & Sessions Court, Nongpoh, the Civil Hospital Nongpoh, the Nursing Institute in Pahamsyiem, Ri Bhoi College and various other government departments offices, schools, banks and business establishments. The frequent power disruptions have severely impacted the functioning of these institutions and affected public services, education, and healthcare.
“Despite numerous appeals and complaints to the government and the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), no concrete steps have been taken to resolve this issue. The people of Ri Bhoi District are being unjustly neglected, despite their contribution to the state’s electricity generation,” the HANM stated in the letter.
Steps suggested by HANM to address power issues
– Establishing a 132 KV power substation to cater to the district’s increasing demand for electricity and provide a stable, reliable power supply.
– Need to provide clear instructions to MeECL to prioritize improving electricity distribution in Ri Bhoi, especially in areas like Nongpoh that are prone to frequent and extended outages.
– Creation of a system to address electricity-related complaints promptly, ensuring that the concerns of the people are heard and acted upon.
