Unreliable power supply enrages locals
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, May 15 2024: Disruption in power supply has become a common phenomenon at Sahamphung block villages in Ukhrul which were electrified in the early 1990s so much so that people have been compelled to live in darkness for the most part.

The locals highlighted the hardships they have been enduring due to the frequent disruption in power supply during a press conference held today at Phungreitang in Ukhrul According to them, nothing has been done to improve power supply in the villages after the commissioning of the 33/11 kv power station at Gamnom Shingcha village.

The power supply to their villages is supposed to be in three phases, but the transmission is still going on in a single phase manner and the same endangers them, they said and added that no repair/maintenance work has also been done for electric poles which were damaged on different occasions.

According to one Thuingaleng of Maka village, there have been many unreported accidents (electric shocks) at Sahamphung block villages due to low hanging of power lines.

Saying that snapping of HT and LT power lines is very common during windy and rainy seasons, he added that the villagers have been carrying out jungle clearance work without any assistance from the Power Department to avert accidents.

Menean Shinglai, the headman of Apong village, stated that at least 12 villages (Zingsui, Mapum, Shingcha, Maku, Chahong Khullen, Chahong Chingthak, Chahong Phalung, K Langli, Apong, Yentem and Pushing) under Sahamphung sub-division of Kamjong district rely on the 33/11 kv power station at Gamnom but there are only two linemen and one DGM to look after the power supply in all these villages.

The vastness of the region and transportation difficulties are also factors which make emergency work pertaining to power supply extremely difficult, he said and added that the Gamnom power station should have at least 11 linemen, an AE and a SO to ensure smooth power transmission in the villages.

The headman further mentioned that most of the households in the 12 villages have prepaid metre connection.

According to Menean, prepaid connection at Apong village was completed about three years back but the consumers in the village are burdened to pay just the rental fees without any power supply in the village.

He and other headmen of Sahamphung sub-division urged the Power Minister to intervene and ensure regular power supply in these 12 villages.

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