NONGPOH: The Ri Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF), on Friday, submitted a memorandum to Power Minister James K Sangma with the demand to upgrade the existing 32 kV substation into a 132 kV one, while also complaining that the supply of power is irregular in the district despite Ri Bhoi being the highest generator of power among others.
The RBYF said that Ri Bhoi is the only district in the state which generates the highest megawatts of power with its five power stations -Stage-I, Stage-II, Stage-III, Stage-IV and Umtru Hydel Power Station. “But it is sad to learn that despite having contributed so much for the state, Ri Bhoi was still witnessing irregular power supply as well as frequent shutdown in almost all parts of the district”, the youth body said.
While stating that Ri Bhoi is also the only district to collect the highest revenue from power supply, the RBYF said that “around Rs 25-29 crore is collected annually”.
“Hence, the district deserves to have an upgraded power substation”, it added
Blaming the incompetence and incapability of former leaders of the District for the hardships now faced by the people, the RBYF said, “Districts such as East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills have 132 kV substation facilities, but it sad to see that Ri Bhoi, which has in recent years celebrated its silver jubilee, is yet to have one”.