CM stresses on co-ordination with linesmen
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said on Tuesday that committees at local levels will be formed for better coordination between power consumers and MeECL.
Sangma said, “If there is any likely damage to the transformer or any sagging of lines that can endanger lives will be brought to the notice of the authorities. The committee will look at better distribution and engaging stakeholders to share the responsibility of safety and efficient management of our energy usage. Every village and habitation will have the committees.”
Committees of energy users at local or village levels will be formed under relevant terms of reference and these bodies will collaborate with MeECL to ensure continuous coordination with those at the field level and the authorities concerned.
The committees will be led by the headmen of respective villages along with the executive committee.
Sangma also said the immediate kin of Trisdalin Shangpliang who, along with her five children, died from electrocution on October 27, can apply for any livelihood skills training programme.
The announcement follows a request by a delegation of residents from Lyngiong and Hima Lyngiong to provide employment to the eldest child of Trisdalin Shangpliang.
“There is no such policy for appointment, besides the child has not reached 18 years of age. However, they can apply any employment and other livelihood skills,” he told media persons on Tuesday.
The Chief Minister said, “Besides releasing an amount of Rs 6 lakh as ex gratia payment to the nearest kin, MeECL will immediately restore power connection to all affected households (at Nongthymmai Neng in Mawphlang) due to damaged wiring and electrical infrastructure, including meter box.”
When asked whether the compensation was a paltry amount, Sangma said, “It is based on the notification of the government in 2012. We will re-look into the matter but as of now, it is the actual scheme and we cannot go beyond that.”
Asserting that there is safety auditing in villages to find high tension line drawn along the habitation area, he said, “MeECL is tasked with safety auditing of the villages. Any realignment of the 33 KB line or other low-tension line will be restored so that we can insulate the households from such unforeseen incidents in the future.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Adviser to State government D.D Lapang held a discussion with Sangma on Tuesday on the performance of MeECL. Lapang apprised the chief minister of the shortage of materials like poles, meters, transformers and replacement of damaged poles. Sangma assured that all possible help will be given. Lapang also had a separate discussion with Power Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.
Report
A report on the electrical accident was submitted to the CM which stated that since the earthed wires of the sub-station and the neutral of the transformer were connected together, the LT neutral of the entire village was charged with high voltage. Service wires and internal wiring of many houses were either damaged or burnt. As a result, the meter box in the house of the victim caught fire which caused the victim to panic and she tried to escape outside. “In the process, the victim might have come into contact with the tin wall of the house. The meter which was installed at a height of about 2.5 meter near the door was fitted directly to the tin wall and was completely melted and destroyed,” it stated.