Editor,
This power crisis has been in the making ever since the release of electric supply to the industry. We were warned about it by a retired chief secretary. The surplus power was often burnt off during the seasonal monsoon rains. But during the lean water months the reservoir was controlled in it’s release. That is how a hydroelectric reservoir is managed. There is a minimum beyond which the water cannot dip. But in the recent years there is frequent discharge through the tunnel without care of the season. Just because of the commercial interests of a few the other citizens are deprived of this essential service in hospitals, street lights, average homes etc. We have to be mindful of the fact that our electricity comes from a water reservoir and not a coal fired plant. In fact water pumps are also used to pump back the released water just to maintain the water level during the late night hours when there is minimum demand by the consumer. All this information on the management of hydroelectric power is available on Google. So Shillongites, wake up.
Yours etc.,
Malcolm Warjri,
Via email
MeECL overhaul needed
Editor,
Some tough questions need to be asked and a radical solution to the power crisis in the state needs to be thrashed out immediately with participation from Government, independent experts and the general public (not NGOs, for heaven’s sake). MeECL’s failures have now become legendary. There is obviously a total breakdown in organizational capability, management and day-to-day functioning of MeECL but as someone commented, there’s no use “flogging a dead horse”. A complete overhaul is needed, not just new paint and Government propaganda.
I am not in favour of “agitations” by political parties who themselves bring nothing to the table in terms of viable answers and simply work the issue to embarrass the Government of the day. I think people have had enough of damaging agitations which solve absolutely nothing! Instead of solving problems, they create further hurdles besides causing massive loss to the economy and the common man. If political parties like UDP have something to offer as an answer to this shameful crisis, then let them state it upfront instead of torturing the public with mindless agitations which have no beginning and no end. The Government too should stop pulling the wool over our eyes with their favourite excuse of “Umiam water level” year after year. The problem lies elsewhere, and everyone knows it!
Yours etc.,
Grace Diengdoh,
Shillong-3
Close down the white elephant MeECL!
Editor
The power situation in Shillong is becoming more pathetic as the years go by. But whereas MeECL has been subjecting consumers to 9 hour power cuts, the monthly electricity bill only goes up. Even more strange is the fact that MeECL adopts a bizarre policy of “averaging” power bills without taking actual meter readings. This illegal method has led to people receiving grossly inflated bills in the months of February and March 2014. The question I want to ask is – isn’t this against the law? Shouldn’t the head of MeECL be sent to jail for duping people on a massive scale in this manner? And why should people to pay more money, courtesy increased tariffs and ‘manufactured’ meter readings, when there is hardly any power in the city? MeECL is nothing but a white elephant which needs to be closed down immediately. Indeed we do not even need a Power Minister if the present power situation continues in the State! Mukul Sangma’s tall claims of development have all been laid to rest by MeECL’s performance during his tenure. Development without power indeed, Mr Chief Minister!
Yours etc.,
Gary Nongrum
Shillong
Whose livelihood, Mr MLA?
Editor,
The subsequent ban of rat-hole mining by the National Green Tribunal has been a subject much talked about not amongst the common man but amongst the coal barons, coal mafias and influential stakeholders. Let us understand that rat-hole mining and even box-cut mining that is done by excavating the earth to facilitate digging and mining of coal has been the bread and butter of coal mine owners but to speak of the “many” people as put by Sniawbhalang Dhar is exaggerated. Whose livelihood is actually being affected by such a ban? Who is actually losing sleep over such a ban and why? These are some queries we need to put forward to such people. The truth is, the coal mining industry in Jaintia Hills has facilitated the migration of illegal settlers and created unwanted elements and criminals. The poor farmer has lost his land and the soil depleted of its fertility due to coal mining. There is large scale destruction of forests which affects the quality of our air and water. Unscientific mining has also resulted in several deaths of labourers who are buried inside the coal mines. It is these coal rich money bags who stand to lose their profits and not those who totally depend for their livelihoods on agriculture and allied activities. If mining was done with environmental responsibility and the profits were ploughed back towards reafforestation then this ban would not have come about in the first place. The ban has now become imperative to save the environment and also a food for thought for people like the MLA from Wahiajer.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S Wankhar
Shillong-3