Power woes in EKH, Ri Bhoi continue for months

SHILLONG/NONGPOH: For the past four months the people of Mawkriah, East Khasi Hills, and other adjoining areas of Mawsynram are facing power cuts due to MeECL’s delay in replacing a defected transformer.
Social activist S. Marwein took the people residing in the border areas to meet K. War, Chief Engineer of MeECL. Speaking to reporters, he said the power cut has affected students the most.
Hilariious, a resident of Mawkriah, alleged that the linemen were indifferent to replace or repair the transformer. He claimed that linemen charge Rs 500–1,000 from residents to repair the defected power supply.
Meanwhile, two villages under Umsning C&RD block in Ri Bhoi district are living in darkness for almost three months thanks to the state power distribution company’s lackadaisical attitude. The transformer supplying power to Nongmawlongrim and Nongmawlongthymmai, which are around 12km from NH-6, developed glitches three months ago.
Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) was intimated about the failure but nothing has been done so far.
Meanwhile, the Khasi Students’ Union, 20 Mer Circle, has expressed concern over frequent power cuts in the area.
Circle President Khrawbok Sylliang strongly condemned MePDCL’s delay saying local residents, especially students preparing for examinations, had to face great difficulty.  He has urged the concerned department to act fast and restore power supply to the villages.