Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 09:
A joint meeting of the Electricity Department officials, philanthropic organizations in the district and media persons was held at the EE, Electricity/CCpur division�s office chamber here at 1 pm today.
The meeting minutely deliberated on the extraordinarily pitiable power situation in Churachandpur and resolved to work together to improve the situation.
It may be mentioned that the erratic, irregular and poor power supply has rendered most of the small scale industries and other power-dependent services in the town bankrupt.
The people in general have also turned very hostile even to the department officials for the poor and undependable service rendered.
In the meeting today, the newly appointed Executive Engineer/Electricity here, BL Saiate and his staff highlighted the problems faced by the department in the district.
The drastic measures taken up the department last year by disconnecting illegal connection, for using heaters etc in various localities could not be sustained over a long period due to inadequate manpower, adding that some disgruntled elements are even physically threatening the employees on duty, they said.
Without cooperation and understanding from the public, it is impossible to put a stop to all the malpractices and improve the situation, they maintained.
They also gave examples of some localities where a transformer could not cope with a little as nine registered subscribers, indicating the depth and extent of power theft and unauthorized use.
After a detailed discussion, the meeting resolved to demand the shifting of the 33/11 KV substation which feeds electricity to Churachandpur district from Khengjang back to its original location at Tuibuong power station.
It may be mentioned that the centre, which was originally situated at Tuibuong was shifted at Khengjang in 2001 even as all the infrastructure facilities for the same are available at Tuibuong.
The location of the substation at Khengjang which is under a separate division, has caused lots of management problems for the department.
It was also resolved to demand the immediate installation of one more 5 MVA transformer for the district.
The two existing transformers are not enough for the town which is expanding at a fast rate.
The Government, including the Chief Minister himself, had previously promised to install the same which, however, failed to materialize till date.
As an immediate measure, the meeting resolved to issue a public notification through the media highlighting the situation as it is, asking for cooperation and promising to improve the situation if people cooperate.