SHILLONG, July 4: The state government’s attempt to give relief to the citizens by bailing out the cash-strapped Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) has done precious little.
The government availed of a loan of Rs 1,345.72 crore from the Rural Electrification Corporation and the Power Finance Corporation to liquidate outstanding dues against power purchase. However, it could not mitigate the sufferings of people.
Even as they are distressed due to rising temperature, unprecedented load-shedding is adding to their agonies.
The government had decided to extend 100 per cent budgetary support to the MeECL from the state’s development budget for repayment of Rs 1,345.72 crore Atmanirbhar loan with a commitment that the MeECL will initiate certain reforms but the promised reforms remain only on paper. The unscheduled load-shedding has become a part of the daily life of the citizens.
The government seems to be taking solace from the fact that Meghalaya is not the only state in the Northeast experiencing power cuts.
Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma told journalists on Monday that three national-level hydropower plants are down and so are the Kopili project and another ONGC project in Tripura, resulting in a shortfall of 120-140 MW of power. He said this is affecting power supply across the Northeast.
The CM also said that two of the state’s own power generation units are facing trouble. While the Leshka Hydroelectric Power Plant is not functioning, the Umiam Hydroelectric Power Plant is undergoing repair.
“At a given time, we have five units that are not working. This normally does not happen and is, therefore, a very complicated situation. Many states in the Northeast are facing similar problems,” Sangma said.
He said it might take a few weeks for the units to resume power supply. Power Minister Prestone Tynsong had asserted last week the problem would be resolved within a week or two.
According to an official announcement, Shillong was to have faced load-shedding between 1 am and 5 am every day but the citizens are complaining of power cuts at regular intervals throughout the day.
The situation turned worse on Monday when Shillong witnessed two additional power cuts running into several hours in addition to scheduled load-shedding.
With the state government unable to commit to any fixed deadline for the resumption of regular power supply, the plight of the citizens is likely to continue for a longer period.
