Editor,
The letter to the editor by Philip Marwein (ST May 22, 2020) on the controversies relating to posting and promotion in the MeECL prompted me to write this letters. It is unfortunate that in spite of the installed hydel generating capacity of around 350 MW and substantial power allocation from thermal as well as hydel central sector generating stations, Meghalaya suffers from annual load-shedding. Huge dues of NEEPCO and other CPSUs remain unpaid resulting in uncertain future for the consumers. In such a scenario, it is doubtful if industries can thrive or new ones can come up. It is understood that the government is yet to honour the commitment of Rs 840 crore against Terminal benefits of retired employees of MeECL causing enormous difficulty to them as they have to wait for years to get their rightful dues. To mitigate their suffering, MeECL has been resorting to phase-wise and part payment of their dues from its own resources which adversely affects its exchequer. This results in inability of the Department to supply quality power, maintain the lines and substations properly and adhere to safety norms. The electricity tariff for 2019-20 was not revised due to delay in appointment of Chairman, Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission(MSERC) following the demitting of office of the previous incumbent.
When it was revised for the year 2020-2021, for LT Domestic consumers, only the fixed charge was raised whereas the energy charges remain unchanged leaving the consumer pleasantly surprised. The reason for the near stagnation of tariff may be because of inability of MeECL to bargain as suggested in the letter referred to above or other reasons which only the concerned department or office can clarify.This also applies to the implications of the important post of Chairman MSERC lying vacant for around one year and how the said Commission dealt with the petitions and other matters pertaining to Meghalaya lying with it or other forums during that period.What the layman apprehends is that if the present trend continues, the cash strapped MeECL will not be able to sustain its operation considering the threat of power regulation always looming large from NEEPCO and other CPSU’sdue to the mounting outstanding dues and the inability on the part of the distribution company of MeECL to improve its efficiency and reduce the overall aggregate losses as per figures of area wise losses published in one issue of this newspaper earlier this year.
This loss is a major cause of the present crisis as it leads to a vicious cycle. Unless drastic actions are taken, the future of the power sector in the state looks grim. Also, the general public is anxious to know of steps taken to preserve the Umiam dam and reservoir which is a legacy inherited from Assam. There have been suggestions and plans for desilting the said lake, construction of check dams to prevent the flow of debris, preventing the waste from Marten to flow to the lake,diverting heavy vehicular traffic at the Main Dam,reviewing the agreement with Military authorities for pumping water from the dam, supplementing the hydel generation with solar by having floating solar panels which need serious consideration. We don’t know what fate awaits the Myntdu Leshka Project, considering the acidic nature of water and in view of the bitter experience of NEEPCO at the Kopili projects purportedly due to acid mine drainage due to unregulated coal mining in Meghalaya during the previous years.
Undoubtedly MeECL has tried to improve its performance but these have not yielded the desired results. Therefore, it is advisable for the Government and the management of MeECL to make a detailed analysis of the present situation with a view to finding a long term solution to the problems and chalk out a strategy to enable it to achieve financial turnaround. It is also heartening to note from media reports about the engineers and other employees of MeECL rallying behind the present management and willing to go the extra mile to help their organization in this onerous task. Perhaps Government should emulate the states showing remarkably good performance and ensure that the MeECL be infused with strict professionalism and work culture. After all, this organisation provides direct employment to around 3000 employees in addition to indirect employment to thousands of othersand has the potential to grow further. It is imperative that Government take all measures on the regulatory aspects especially as the amendment to the Electricity Act,2003 is in the offing for which the power department and MeECL should be geared up for new challenges.
At this critical juncture, MeECL desperately needs financial support from the government. Power being the prime mover of all activities, it will not be an over exaggeration to state that a healthy MeECL is absolutely vital for an economically vibrant Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Pestered by locusts
Editor,
Like rubbing salt into our wounds locusts coming from Pakistan are invading around 45-50 districts in six states-Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajsthan and Gujarat. These millions of locusts are covering hundreds of kilometers. It is estimated that crops on 10-15 lakh acres have been affected across six states since December last year while the government estimates around one lakh acres of cotton, summer pulses and vegetable crops have been affected so far.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government on Thursday issued an advisory asking authorities concerned to spray insecticides and pesticides on standing crops, vegetation, gardens and orchards to prevent an imminent attack by the swarm of locusts. There is an increasing attack of locusts on standing crops in many north Indian states and the farmers are a disgruntled lot. What is more rankling is that farmers are facing unprecedented problems due to Covid-19 and the locusts’ attack on crops only adds to their woes.
It may be noted that India is battling the worst desert locust outbreak as swarms of locusts first attacked Rajasthan and have now spread to the above-mentioned states It may be good to know that the swarms usually fly during the day and rest at night. Hence, farmers and authorities must take precautionary measures like disallowing the locusts to rest during the night. Also, the authorities concerned must find some preventive measures to check the swarms of locusts flying in from Pakistan and also prevent them from multiplying in consultation with experts in this area.
Locusts are always a menace to farmers. These insects are giving farmers who already are in distress due to Covid19 a nightmare. Our country faces problems after problems and people have been forced to ask why our country unlike other countries in the world is destined to receive such calamities. Our food habits and lifestyles have changed over the years and admittedly, it is right that we have plundered our earth and sucked its milk almost beyond our needs. Now the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us many things and therefore let us be more considerate towards mother earth and love it and keep it safe and fertile for our next generation.
Yours etc.,
TK Nandanan,
Via email
Timely decision by apex court
Editor,
The Supreme Court of India has recently passed an order to ensure free travel and food for migrant workers. It is a necessary and timely order. As a consequence of lockdown, migrant workers are suffering from many challenges. They are homeless, jobless, and struggling to fulfill their basic needs in life. Most of the migrant workers are forced to travel by freight carriers or go on foot. Today, it is a crucial reality that the human rights of migrant workers are being violated openly. So all the state-governments should plan on providing free travel to migrant workers and send them home safely.
Yours etc.,
Amit Singh Kushwaha,
Via email