NPP leader slams govt over power shortage

SHILLONG: NPP leader from North Garo Hills Rupert Marak has slammed the State Government over the ongoing power crisis in the State, particularly in the Garo Hills region.
In a statement issued here on Wednesday, Marak said in this age of modernisation, Meghalaya is yet to properly develop mini/micro hydel projects.
He said the Central Electricity Authority had identified 37 mini and micro hydel projects, having the potential to produce 8,444 KW of power.
“Out of the 37 projects, 11 are in West Garo Hills, South Garo Hills and East Garo Hills districts, eight in East Khasi Hills, three in Ri Bhoi, nine in West Khasi Hills and six in the Jaintia hills districts,” he said, adding that the hydel projects in Garo Hills are still incomplete and the State Government should state a reason for the delay.
“Nongalbibra thermal power station is unable to withstand the pressure due to a major technical snag as the lone operating electrical transformer is overloaded,” he said, adding that no effort was made by the Meghalaya Power Transmission Co-operation Limited to provide power transmission and to ensure that corrective steps were taken at the earliest to prevent a major disruption.
“Lethargy of the present government to upgrade the power project in the region shows its step-motherly treatment to the area,” he alleged.