By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Congress-led Government has come under a lot of criticism following the sudden load shedding which came into force from Thursday morning.
There is a common feeling that the people are made to suffer due to the lackadaisical attitude of successive governments which failed to identify the potholes ahead.
A failed Myntdu Leshka Hydel Power project indicated inconsistency in the execution of hydel and thermal projects in a time bound manner across the State that has led to the present misery.
Observers say that the Government was complacent in the past as it basked in the glory of Meghalaya being a power surplus State and lack of farsightedness on the part of the Government machinery has resulted in the present mess.
Other than announcing the timing of the power cuts, the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MPDCL) is yet to come clear on the reason behind the sudden imposition of load-shedding.
As per official records, the current unrestricted peak demand of the State is 610 MW. With the addition of 126 MW from the Myntdu-Leshka Hydel Power Project and 2 MW from renovation, modernization and up-gradation of Umiam Stage-II power station, the present generating capacity of the State is 314.70MW. Meanwhile, the existing power availability in the State is 524.7 MW including 210 MW from the Central share which leaves a power deficit of 100 MW.
The State is also relying on the OTPC Pallatana project to be commissioned by June, 2013 which will ensure 79MW of power to Meghalaya.
Ironically though, even after completion of three phases of the Myntdu-Leshka project, it is generating only 10 MW of power even as the budget for the project escalated from Rs 363 crore in 2004 to Rs 965 crore in 2012.The cost shot up to more than Rs 1,000 crore as per the latest estimate.
The Shillong Times on Saturday also spoke to a few residents of the city to seek their views on the current situation.
Saroj Rawat, a young lady, said that the appropriate time for the load-shedding would have been after midnight like it was done on previous occasions.
Md Mehoob, a businessman says that the load-shedding has brought much trouble to businessmen who have to frequent the storerooms in the dark.
Majority of the residents have also expressed disappointment over missing out on Indian Premiere League (IPL) action.