Thoubal locals rail against frequent power cuts, rostering
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, August 26 2024: Local clubs and youth organisations in Thoubal have expressed discontent with frequent power cuts and rostering of power supply in the district in the aftermath of the recent floods which have left many seeking shelter in community halls and meira paibi sheds.

In a press release, Youth Welfare Association Leishangthem (Youth Centre Leishangthem) (YWAL), Youth Association Leishangthem (YAL) and United Generation Committee (UGC) has appealed to the Manipur State Power Company Ltd to discard the rostering of power supply from 5:30 pm to 8 pm in view of the hardships the flood affected families are facing.

The press release pointed out that due to rising water level at Ikop Pat, the areas along its banks have been greatly affected, especially Leishangthem Khongmanung Makha Leikai where 300 homes, more than 200 paris of paddyfields have been submerged and upwards of 200 fish farms have been affected.

As families are seeking shelter in local community halls and sheds and leaving their domestic animals along the roadside, the power rostering has proved to be yet another burden to the flood-affected families, said the release issued by L Jateshwar Singh, president YWAL.

YAL, YWAL and UGC have also appealed to the MSPCL to complete work on the 33kV underground circuit and overhead transmission line from Thoubal Khunou 33kV sub-station to Thoubal Tomjing 33kV substation to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the people.

Additionally, the Meetei Community Joint Co-Ordination Committee (18 clubs and women wing of Waithou, Kiyam, Kiyam Siphai, Haokha & Thoubal Khunou) has urged the relevant authority to remedy the frequent power cuts in Thoubal district.

The press release issued by N Biren Singh, president, MCJCC 18 Clubs pointed out that the power supply in the area is cut off regularly at 7 pm.

It returns sometimes at 8 pm or after.

Questioning the reason for such frequent power cuts, MCJCC maintained that electricity cables and metres have been installed in most valley areas and incidence of power thefts have also reduced considerably.

However, the situation is such that people now have to pay for electricity as well as candles and kerosene or invest in inverters or lamps due to power outages.

The circumstance is more grim for daily wage earners who are not Government employees, the press release asserted.

Thus MCJCC has urged the concerned authority to resolve the issue of frequent power cuts and rostering in Thoubal district.

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