By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Just as hundreds of Class X students in five districts of Garo Hills got down to writing their Class X Board examinations of the SSLC on Wednesday their high expectations for the next examination slated for Friday were abruptly cut short on Thursday evening.
A collapse of the power distribution system to the Garo Hills from Shillong shortly after 7:30 PM led to an entire night of darkness when light was needed the most.
The Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) blamed the power cut for a suspected high voltage problem termed ‘Jumpering burning problem’ somewhere between Nangalbibra in South Garo Hills and Nongstoin in West Khasi Hills and till late Thursday night were unable to locate the fault.
At the receiving end were scores of young boys and girls who are appearing for the state board examinations. These students were left to the mercy of the power gods because no information was forthcoming from the power board officials well past 8 PM.
In the confusion shops downed their shutters due to poor number of customers while students were left without any alternative power and unable to purchase last minute candles.
On Friday morning, students were to appear for the crucial Health Education/ Computer Science examination of the SSLC which gives them an opportunity to score substantial marks to improve their grades once results are declared.
Despite the fact that various examinations are going on in the State, there seems to be lack of concern on the part of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) to ensure uninterrupted power supply especially in the evening hours.
The irritated parents and students complained that all attempts to contact the engineers of the MeECL office in Tura met with failure.
When contacted, Power Minister Clement Marak said that this is a frequent problem in Garo Hills considering the fact that there is only one transmission line connecting Shillong to Tura.
“There are some faults in the transmission and the department concerned is trying its best to restore power at the earliest,” Marak said.
Marak also informed that at present they have no other option but to rely on the one connecting transmission and also maintained that the transmission will be improved and upgraded very soon to prevent frequent power disruptions in Garo Hills.
Aggrieved parents of students who are appearing in the Board examinations also called up this office on Thursday night to inquire whether power will be restored at the earliest.
Leaders of various NGOs based in Garo Hills including GSU adviser Manseng Sangma, FKJGP leader Pritam Marak and AYWO president Adinson Marak condemned the constant power disruptions and demanded necessary action from the Government.
Meanwhile, angry over the frequent power cuts in the five districts of Garo Hills, a group of locals barged into the MeECL power station in Tura and criticised the officials present at the work site.
Following this security has been beefed up in the power stations and additional security forces have been deployed in vulnerable areas.
Interestingly, this is the third consecutive Thursday when Garo Hills has been deprived of much needed power supply.
On February 28, shortly after counting of votes concluded for the Meghalaya election, disruptions began to occur and by midnight Garo Hills had plunged into darkness. Power was restored only the next day.
Last Thursday a similar incident took place with power being cut during the day only to return late evening.