SHILLONG, FEB 12: Irked by the frequent load shedding in the city, Rangbah Shnongs of several localities falling under the West Shillong constituency led by its legislator and UDP working president Paul Lyngdoh met state power minister Clement Marak on Wednesday and demanded uninterrupted power supply in the constituency.
The delegation wants the government to direct the Meghalaya Electricity Corporation Limited (MeECL) to supply uninterrupted power supply in the areas.
The delegation complained that despite electricity bill being paid on time by the consumers in the city the common man has to suffer from frequent power cuts while industrial houses and government offices get uninterrupted power even after failing to clear electricity bills.
“We have demanded that direction should be issued to the MeECL to stop the load-shedding and if not, then change the timing of the load-shedding from 10 pm to 12 am,” Lyngdoh told reporters after the meeting.
Lyngdoh said that the timing of the load-shedding from 10 pm every night in the ten dorbar shnongs – Mawprem, Upper Mawprem, Lower Mawprem, Lumkshaid and Qualapaty- has not only caused inconveniences to the people but the student community is the worst affected from frequent load-shedding as it hampers their preparation for their ensuing examinations at different levels.
Another concern expressed by the delegation is that the timing of the night load-shedding has emboldened the anti-social elements to take advantage of the situation for their anti-social activities.
“The present situation will no doubt affect the law and order and safety in the city especially during elections period,” Lyngdoh said.
The load shedding is the consequences of the discontinuation of power supply to the state by the NEEPCO because of the failure of the state government to clear pending payments.
Reacting to a query, Lyngdoh said that there is huge mismanagement and inefficiency on the part of the MeECL.
“Though the MeECL is a business entity, yet there is no professionalism in its management. It is still being manned by a senior bureaucrat of the state government,” Lyngdoh said adding that he is not demeaning the efficacy of an IAS officer but such an entity should have experience and professionals to head the organization.
Power minister Clement Marak assured the delegation to look into their grievances and informed that the government is proposing to purchase power from private parties in the next two weeks in order to meet the requirements. – By Our Reporter
+ There are no comments
Add yours