By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The current water level at Umiam, the major source of hydel power generation in the State (185 MW), is 25 feet less than last year’s water level, raising fear of load shedding in the near future.
While the maximum storage capacity of the dam is 3200 feet, Monday’s reading of the water level is just 3175 feet.
The shortage of rainfall in Meghalaya and the rest of the Northeast region is 30%, affecting the generation of hydel power plants.
The Additional Chief Secretary in charge, Power, BK Dev Verma told reporters on Monday that the shortage of water at the Umiam dam has affected power generation. The maximum power generation from Umiam is 185 MW.
He, however, said that the only blessing now is the generation of 120 MW power from Leshka hydel project.
The official allayed the fear of lead shedding by saying that the power from Leshka will help to tide over the crisis at present. While the demand for power in the State is 600 MW, the current availability is only 250 MW.
