NONGPOH, Aug 2: A horde of residents along with KSU Nongpoh Circle on Wednesday took to the streets here to protest against the persistent power breakdowns in the district capital and other parts of Ri-Bhoi district.
The rally, organised by the KSU, commenced from the NSCA Mini Stadium Pahamsyiem and culminated at MeECL Nongpoh Division office.
A short programme was held on the office premises where KSU leaders addressed the gathering.
The protest aimed to draw the authorities’ attention to the recurring power failures that have plagued the district for decades. The Union leaders and members later submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi seeking immediate action to resolve the pressing issue.
The memorandum addressed to the DC highlighted several grievances faced by the residents due to frequent power disruptions. These included inconveniences and hardships experienced by individuals in various sectors such as offices, homes, schools, healthcare centres, and shops. Particularly affected were students and small businesses that heavily depend on electricity for their operations.
The main cause of the intermittent power failures was identified as the reliance on the 33/11KV Nongpoh Substation, which draws power from the Stage-III Power Station Kyrdemkulai, which is located more than 40 km away. The low height of the 33KV lines from the ground level also contributed to frequent tripping and interruptions, as trees and bamboos often touched the lines.
The Union emphasised that the installation of a 132/33KV Substation in Nongpoh was the key solution to ensure stable and reliable power supply. They pointed out that other district headquarters in Meghalaya enjoy better quality electricity due to the presence of such substations, which considerably reduces power interruptions.
The memorandum further highlighted that Nongpoh already has several 132KV lines passing through the area, making it feasible and cost-effective to construct a 132/33KV Substation in close proximity.
Notably, the Co-ordination Committee on Electricity in Ri-Bhoi, of which the KSU was also a part, had previously submitted a similar memorandum to the district administration in 2012 but to no avail.
Frustrated by the lack of action, the union leaders expressed their intent to take more stringent measures including the possibility of locking down the MeECL office, if the load-sheddingpersists.
The DC was urged to act promptly and engage with the MeECL and the state government to address this long-standing concern. The residents of Ri-Bhoi have hoped for an urgent resolution to their power supply issues, while looking forward to improved services that align with regular payment of electricity bills.
