Power crisis due to shortage of supply, ‘mechanical error’ - Power Minister

Responding to public anger over the worsening power crisis in Dimapur, power minister Doshehe Y Sema assured consumers that stable power supply would be restored within a fortnight. Addressing the media Saturday at Saramati Hotel, Sema attributed the current power crisis to shortage of power supply from the source and “mechanical error”.

“Even if we install all the required capacity transformers, distribution lines and transmission lines, if we don’t receive the required amount of energy we will not be able to supply the electric energy regularly” said Sema.

Stating that every citizen has the right to protest, criticize and voice dissent, Sema however did not approve of public resorting to violence, damaging public property and destroying utility records and said these created fear and insecure environment for department staff while rendering operation and maintenance service. He argued that with increase in population, demand has also increased leading to rapid establishment of infrastructure and installations. However, the minister added that breakdown of transformers in large number was beyond human control.

Pointing out the immediate requirement was for 10 MVA or 20 MVA, the power minister stated that a 10 MVA transformer had already being brought from Mokokchung which he said would lessen the load-shedding problem. On delay of the much anticipated 100 MVA transformer, Sema clarified that the delay was due to time taken while manufacturing the transformer and added that the order was placed without much financial problem.

He informed that the 100 MVA transformer cost Rs. 14 to 15 crores and the same would put to used by the end of this year or early next year.
While not admitting or denying that the transformer was funded by DoNER, Sema stated that since Nagaland government was not a “resourceful state”, it usually approached the Government of India with its “begging bowl”. Doshehe also admitted that the department has many limitations in terms of resource, manpower and infrastructure which impacted on delivering deliver quality service. Along with the minister, the press conference was attended by officials of the power department.

DDCC calls for ‘blanket bandh’
Anti-corruption cell of Dimapur District Congress Committee (DDCC) has resolved to pursue its phase-II agitation protesting against load shedding in Dimapur by enforcing ‘blanket bandh’ on payment of electricity bill from August 20 till government pay “serious attention” towards restoring normal power supply.

The ‘blanket bandh’ has been called after non-fulfillment of its six-point charter of demands to the power department August 9 during its phase-I agitation. In a statement, DDCC president Kughato S .Aye and convenor anti-corruption cell H. Kisheto Chishi said their demands were ignored and no “prompt” clarification were made to the public about the status and development even after the expiry of stipulated time. DDCC anti-corruption cell also appealed public not to pay any electricity bill during the ongoing power crisis.

Meanwhile, in an emergency meeting convened by six colonies i.e Lingrijan, Aokong, Industries, Viola, Duncan and Hill View appreciated the action taken by PWD area council and public against the power department. In a statement, Lengrijan Village Council chairman L. Supong Ao and secretary Onen said residents of the six colonies should not be held responsible for any action taken against the department for its failure to normalize power supply.

NPF bats for consumer-power deptt. cooperation
Naga People’s Front (NPF) Saturday asked power consumers to extend “cooperation” to the power department to ensure quality service besides establishing a disciplined ‘consumer-department’ mutual-trust relation. In a statement, NPF vice president press bureau T.L. Merry said that failure for timely restoration of adequate supply of power/electricity has triggered the people of Dimapur to take drastic steps “losing civic sense” even to the extent of ransacking offices.

The statement said that the department has been making best efforts to address the situation and hoped that the arrival of a 10 MVA transformer once pressed into service would improve the power situation in Dimapur. Merry urged residents of colonies to extend “cooperation” and share responsibility with the department officials towards ensuring adequate power supply. The statement also asked locality leaders and residents to keep strict vigil and check all kinds of power pilferages and check avoidable wastage of power in homes.

NPF vice president asked industries, business establishments, organizations, government, NGOs or private offices/firms to ensure timely payment of electric bills for power consumed rather than trying to politicize the power situation which has affected not only Nagaland.
NPF also slammed NPCC’s allegation that the power department has failed to discharge its responsibilities for the last four years and said that the allegation did not merit the demand for the power minister’s resignation.