TURA: A Central Government funding project for the construction of a new electrical sub-station at Ampati remains incomplete even after release of Rs. 23.37 crore for reasons best known to the State Power department even as high tech power transformers gather dust in the open fields and at the mercy of Mother Nature.
The construction of a DC line from Rongkhon to Ampati along with a 2×20 MVA, 132/33 KV sub-station at Ampati, home constituency of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, was approved by the Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Ministry with funds to be made available from the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR).
The total cost of the power project was Rs 30.79 crore with central funding for 90 per cent of the project cost and the state government filling in the remaining 10 per cent.
So far the Centre has released its share of funds in three separate installments amounting to Rs. 23.37 crore, with the last installment of Rs 7. 46 crore been released on December 22, 2015, as per records with the DoNER ministry.
As part of the project guidelines from the Centre, funds released need to be transmitted to the implementing agency by the state government within 15 days from the date of release of funds. However, reality on the ground appears different when it comes to utilisation of funds from the third installment.
Despite near completion of funding from the part of the Centre the sub-station at Chiringpara, Ampati is yet to be constructed and powerful transformers worth crores of rupees along with dozens of barrels laden with transformer oil left out in the open to face nature’s fury for the last two and a half years.
The delay in completion of the works and negligence in keeping the equipment weatherproof is expected to raise the cost of the project, something the Central government may not be keen to extend a helping hand to.
