From Our Correspondent
TURA: Despite tall claims of revamping the power sector in the State by Power Minister AT Mondal, who has been projecting the Leskha power project as one of his Government’s dream projects, only needs to look a little beyond Khasi-Jaintia Hills to witness reality of the pathetic power sector.
Half the State – comprising three districts of Garo Hills with a population of several lakh people remained in total darkness for an entire night from 7:45 pm on Friday due to a fault that disrupted power supply of the 132 KV line from Mawlai-Nongstoin in West Khasi Hills to Nangalbibra in South Garo Hills.
Power was restored throughout Garo Hills only by 10 am on Saturday but its relief was short lived, once again. There were as many as four repeated breakdowns during the day as the people of Garo Hills went through the sweltering heat and humidity with all major works coming to a standstill on account of the power disruption.
It was only after 4 pm of Saturday that power supply was stabilised. But yet again another fault occurred shortly after 11 pm for well over ten minutes.
Interestingly, no announcement or information was forthcoming from the officials of MeECL with regards to the power disruption.
The Power department, which only a year ago underwent revamping and restructuring was meant to drastically change the situation for the better but evidently has only proved to be a bane in place of a boon.
The Government has been projecting the Agia to Nangalbibra power transmission line as an alternative to provide uninterrupted power supply to the Garo Hills region but questions have been raised about its reality.
“When the Power department is unable to maintain its existing lines under the 132 KV Nongstoin-Nangalbibra line then with what confidence can the people of Garo Hills look to another line of supply,” questioned locals from Tura.