Our Bureau
PHULBARI/ SHILLONG, Dec 20: Power woes and the issue of low voltage that has been hurting the residents of Garo Hills for decades will now be a thing of the past with the commissioning of the Phulbari Grid Substation at Chibinang in West Garo Hills.
The grid, which became operational more than two months ago, has been an absolute boon for residents of the region, ridding the entire Dadenggre subdivision of poor voltage.
The substation was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at a glittering function on Wednesday.
Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong, Power Minister AT Mondal, Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri, PHE Minister Marcuise N Marak, and MLAs Jimmy D Sangma and Limison D Sangma were among those in attendance.
The CM said the introduction of the largest substation in the region is a game-changer considering that Meghalaya faced issues of low voltage.
“With the inauguration of this new substation, our area will now receive voltage on a par with other regions. This is a positive step towards ensuring consistent and improved electricity for our community,” he said.
Mondal highlighted the strategic importance of the new substation.
He said, “With the inauguration of the substation, we are poised to meet the rising energy demands of West Garo Hills efficiently and sustainably. This stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to transforming the power landscape of the region.”
“It is a monumental development for the people of the region as power has always been a major cause of worry for locals. Earlier running even businesses was a major worry due to the poor voltage received. This has been resolved now and as a local from the area, I am thankful to the CM and everyone who helped in alleviating the problem faced,” Mondal said.
The project, initiated under North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP) and with financial assistance from the World Bank, is expected to resolve the long-pending issue of low voltage in the region and contribute to its economic growth.
The cost breakdown for various packages includes Rs 73.55 crore for the construction of a 132 KV Double Circuit Transmission Line, 132/33 KV substations and Bay extension, including the construction of residential staff quarters.
Additionally, Rs 33.34 crore was spent on the construction of new 33/11 KV substations and 33 KV lines and augmentation of existing substations.
A new power line connecting Ampati to Phulbari, stretching nearly 50 km, now delivers electricity at a higher level of 132 KV. It taps power from the Ampati station and channels it to the newly-built Phulbari station.
This upgraded station, equipped with two powerful 50 MVA transformers, is linked to smaller substations at 33/11 KV, benefiting communities in Bhaitbari, Phulbari, Tikrikilla, Raksamgre, Rongsai and Rajabala. It covers almost 75% of West Garo Hills District.
Phulbari resident Suraj Ch Marak observed that the locals had literally come out of the dark ages. “Earlier even candles were brighter than the bulbs when lit though now the normalization of voltage has eased our lives. This long pending demand has been fulfilled and we are thankful for this,” said Suraj.
Social activist, SR Sangma expressed his gratitude to the government for taking up an issue that has been plaguing the region and ensuring its resolution. “Not only is electricity steady in our region now, disconnections too have become rarer by the day. This is what development means in its real form,” said Sangma.