Showers bring hopes and some despair

SHILLONG, June 9: People across the state heaved a sigh of relief on Thursday after a heavy dose of rainfall led to the increase in the water level of Umiam.
The rains ignited hopes of the power crisis easing.
Power Minister AT Mondal told reporters that the rains have triggered optimism that the power scenario would improve.
Shillong on Thursday received 71 mm while Umiam received 63.2 mm of rainfall. The rain-starved Umiam hydropower project was on the verge of closure.
Following the rainfall, the level of water at the Umiam dam increased to 3,164.95 ft from 3,162.30 ft. “With more rain, we hope to provide relief to the consumers,” Mondal said.
He, however, said the other generating units also need to get enough water since the state generates a major part of its energy from the Myntdu Leshka hydropower project.
“More rains means the rivers will have water for a longer period of time,” Mondal said.
Meghalaya has been witnessing 8-10 hours of load-shedding every day for the last two months and the government was banking on rainfall for improving the scenario.
However, the heavy spell of rainfall also exposed the lack of proper drainage system in several parts of the city. Parts of low-lying areas in Pynthorbah, Pynthorumkhrah, Langkyrding and Nongmensong were inundated on Friday affecting movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
The water level of the Wahumkhrah also rose by several feet following the downpour.