By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 11: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday clarified that the ongoing power interruptions across Shillong, Tura, Jowai and other locations are not load-shedding but regulated shutdowns required to execute a massive Rs 900-crore overhaul of the state’s power infrastructure.
He said, “In the recent past, I have been receiving messages from the public concerned about the frequent shutdowns that are taking place… I wanted to clarify to the people that this is not load-shedding but a regulated shutdown and the main purpose of the shutdown is to implement the RDSS scheme, where close to 2,600 new transformers are being either replaced or installed.”
Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the state is replacing 3,800 km of old wires, laying 4,300 km of new lines, and upgrading transformers across multiple districts, the Chief Minister said, adding that the scale of work makes temporary shutdowns unavoidable.
He added that the government is working to reduce inconvenience while improving communication, noting that information on scheduled shutdowns is still not reaching many at the grassroots level.
The Chief Minister said, “We are ensuring that we minimise it…but there is a communication gap and the message is not going to the grassroots. I have requested the MeECL and the Power Department to ensure better communication.”
Metbah assures smooth power supply
With the festive rush picking up and homes preparing to glow for Christmas, Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh has assured that Meghalaya’s power supply will hold steady through the season. Responding to concerns about possible disruptions, he said the electricity situation was currently “very smooth,” adding indirectly that only routine maintenance and ongoing redistribution sector works might trigger short shutdowns in some pockets.
Lyngdoh said he had instructed officials to give advance notice—two to three days wherever possible—to headmen and consumers before any planned shutdown in any division or subdivision, so people could prepare accordingly.
He noted that signs indicated the department was “very comfortable” with the current supply position and that no major issues were expected.
On the long-standing concerns over legacy liabilities, pending bills and interest burdens within the power department, Lyngdoh stated that both the department and the MeECL were now on the right track.
