Lamka, January 11: The bad and worsening electric power situation in Churachandpur district, with no sign at all of its improving, has started claiming its victims.

Electricity-dependent services like computer works, metal workshops, printing press-es and cyber cafes are the worst hit.

They die slow, painful and silent deaths.

The remaining ones are simply surviving without any hope of profit, as they have no other thing to do.

According to Suanlian Tombing, who runs �Cyber Centre�, at Synod Super Market Complex, which is a pioneer in bringing internet service to the district, they are consuming as much as 10 litres of diesel per day on generator as electricity is not dependable.

When power actually come on, its normal reading is 90-120 Volt, which is not enough to run the computers.

The 5 KV Stabiliser we use has to be at maximum step-up position, putting enormous strain on the machines, he said.

The computers are frequently damaged, especially the motherboard and SMPS power supply components, due to fluctuating power condition and when you reckon in the frequent STD line problems, sluggish internet line and other expenses including rent, there is just no profit in the business, he rues.

It is the same sad story everywhere.

Khup Tonsing, proprietor of Direcway Fusion Center, Tipai-mukh Road, which is the only cyber caf� in town with VSAT connectivity, said that it is impossible to say when the light will come on and go out.

There is just no way can know or predict that, he said.

Khup added that there are enough customers if there could be regular and reliable service, but emphasized that it is impossible to do so under the present circumstances.

The situation is getting so desperate that some schools which have introduced computer courses recently are reportedly having a rethink on the idea as the reality sink in.

Another notable private entrepreneur, Thangpu Samte of Lamka Photographic Services chipped in to say that he is using the generator from morning till night every day, electricity or no electricity, as the power output is too low in any case.

There is a huge rush this season and we hope and pray that the generator will not breakdown, he said with a disarming smile.

Many other power-dependent small scale industries are reportedly closing already in the town.

Muanthang Dousel of Cee-El-Es, another caf�, also said that they have shut shop for all of the festive season as their generator needs major repairs.

A source from e-World, Zenhang Lamka, added that they are surviving on their PCO as running an internet shop is impossible.

All of these computer-related services which started off since about two years back with much fanfare, have ceased their computer training courses and close their shops much of the time.

All of them said that they will soon run out of business if the situation do not improve soon.

Will it improve soon? People can hope desperately for it, but no one is willing to bet on it.

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