CM calls for judicious use of electricity
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, July 30 2022: Chief minister N Biren on Saturday appealed to the public to use electricity and water judiciously while stating that maintaining a habit of using only the required amount of electricity and water would help in preserving our valuable energy resource.

The chief minister gave the clarion call to save the energy resources while addressing the gathering at the State Level Grand Finale Event of Ujjwal Bharat, Ujjwal Bhavishya, Power @ 2047 (Bijli Mahotsav & Ujala Diwas) held at City Convention Centre here on Saturday as a part of the celebration of 75 years of Indian Independence.

The programme was organised by Power Department.

CM Biren informed that state government has been purchasing electricity from Power companies at Rs 10 per unit but supplying the same to the public at subsidised rate ranging from Rs 5.50 to 6.50 per unit thereby spending annual amount of around Rs 350 crore in subsidy.

CM calls for judicious use of electricity

He, therefore, appealed to the public not to waste electricity as a large amount of state's revenue, an important factor for taking up development works, is being exhausted in purchasing electricity.

He maintained that state government has been putting in every effort to cover far flung areas of the state through infrastructure development programmes and informed that those areas without electricity connection are provided power supply through off-grid power system.

In all, 68 Health Care Centres in Churachandpur, Chandel and Tamenglong districts are being provided 24x7 power supply through the solar power system.

Expressing satisfaction on learning that 4.10 out of 5.06 lakh power consumers had been brought under the pre-paid meter system, Biren congratulated the power minister and the employees of the department for such an achievement.

He further informed that procurement of another 2 lakh pre-paid meters is under process and the installation would be done by the year end.

Power minister Thongam Biswajit Singh, while delivering his presidential speech, stated the Grand Finale Event was organised in four places of the state at Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Thoubal and at City Convention Centre, Imphal.

He continued that the achievement of Power department is the result of tireless and dedicated efforts of its employees.

Informing that central government has launched the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme with an objective to improve quality, reliability and affordability of power supply to consumers, he expressed hope that the department would be able to maintain 24x7 quality power supply by improving the power system in the state under the scheme.

While observing that interrupted power supply is very much necessary for the state to become socio-economically viable, Biswajit also informed that stringing of power line in Imphal-Mariani section has been completed and informed that the state can now bring in power supply from different states.

As such, there would be no shortage of power supply in the state, he maintained.

It may be mentioned that Saturday is the Grand Finale of the weeklong celebration of Ujjwal Bharat, Ujjwal Bhavishya which was carried out across the country in 761 districts including 16 districts of Manipur.

The celebration is to reminisce about the progress made in the power sector over the last many years and how it has impacted the life of the people across the country.

PHE minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, Social Welfare minister Heikham Dingo, Kumbi MLA Sanasam Premchandra Singh, Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor Singh, Lamlai MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha Singh, chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, principal secretary (Power) Rajesh Agrawal, senior government officials, employees of Power Department and beneficiaries also attended the programme among others.

Bishnupur district also joined the nation in celebrating the Grand Finale of the Ujjwal Bharat, Ujjwal Bhavishya Power @2047 (Bijli Mahotsav & Ujala Diwas) at Kyamba Ningshing Shanglen, Bishnupur. The celebration was attended by Thanga MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh, who is also the chairperson of Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL), as chief guest.

He also interacted with beneficiaries of electrification schemes.

Bishnupur district deputy commissioner Lourembam Bikram, Bishnupur Municipal Council caretaker chairman Laishram Maniyaima Singh, Nachou Gram Panchayat (GP) pradhan Nongmaithem Jadu Singh, Ngaikhong Khullen GP pradhan Moirangthem Bala Devi, Keinou GP pradhan Ngangom Sovana Devi and Toubul GP pradhan Thokchom Nanaobi Devi attended as guests of honour.

Beneficiaries of various electrification schemes shared their testimonials during the interactive session.

Short films on some of the key achievements in the power sector were also screened during the function.

Following a district level observance, the district also joined the national grand finale celebration through virtual mode wherein Prime Minister Narendra Modi digitally launched the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.

He also dedicated and laid the foundation stone of various green energy projects of NTPC.

He also launched the National Solar rooftop portal.

Bishnupur ADM H Bobby Sharma, additional SP Satyam Takhellambam, SDOs/BDOs, Loktak Power Station NHPC general manager Dr Thokchom Jayshree, who is also Bishnupur District nodal officer, MSPDCL Bishnupur subdivision deputy general manager Laishram Joykumar Singh, DLOs, villagers, officials concerned and staff of the district administration and MSPDCL attended the celebration.