Appreciating the Department of Power
Kedi Haralu
The most significant of all inventions and discoveries without a shadow of doubt was, is and will always be, Electricity. It is hard to comprehend life with out electricity, for everywhere we go, we depend on electricity, right from the moment we get up till we go back to bed, over and over again, Day in and day out. Our forefathers never had such luxury and comfort, thus at one stage it was a novelty, but now, it has become a basic necessity. We cuss and complain every time there is a load shedding or the main switches being turned off due to repair work, but we forget one aspect which everyone overlooks and takes for granted, is the people who are directly responsible for ensuring the constant flow of current 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. It is very rare to see a press release or article complimenting the department for their hard work and putting their lives on the line, since their usual work is to deal with live current. I mistake or error can cause tremendous damage to the electrician or engineer, and at most times, life threatening. Being rather very close to the Power Station at Burma Camp, I have lost a few friends and neighbors, while doing their job, but there has been very little recognition from both the Government and the public. It is a fact that the Power Department is not for the faint hearted, for it involves risks and numerous hazards, must be most precise, in judgment, unlike other departments, thus this article is written to encourage the staff and officers in the Department, and to let them know that there are people who appreciate their work and achievements, and that all negative and damaging publicity is not written on behalf of all the people of Nagaland, and being from Dimapur, I say Dimapur. Although Nagaland is amongst the most backward States in India, with places like interior Tuensang and Mon, one thing none lacks is the availability of electricity. My village which is rather remote from lack of development and negligence may have many needs, but one thing they have in amole amount is electricity, due to the Mini hydro at Duilumroi, under Dzülakie river, which flows from the Barak right through the heart of Peren District.
One may be curious why I am so vocal and adamant on highlighting the electricity Department, but I have my reasons, one being for the memory of my late father whose big generous heart has contributed much to the growth and development of the Power Department in Nagaland. It is due to such individuals who have contributed in their own personal way, which Dimapur is far ahead, especially in the field of development through electricity. It was during the tenure of Lungalung when he was the Commissioner, my father had allotted a plot of land to the Power department so that they could construct a shed for a heavy duty Skoda Diesel Generator. I vividly remember the generator for when it was switched on, it sounded just like a trumpeting elephant. Being rather naughty and mischievous, my father had told me that the shed was a house built for wild and dangerous elephants, so that I would never go near the Generator. Believe you me, it worked. It was only when I was a teenager I learned about the truth. Thus every time I drive past the power station at Burma Camp, it brings back fond memories of my father, who was always so giving and philanthropic and never expected anything in return and to hunt for fame and glory was out of the question, that was the reason why it was only when he passed away, all his deeds were highlighted and appreciated, but by then, it was too late. The same had happened to another hero from Nagaland, the legendary footballer, Dr. T Ao. Anyways, why cry over spilled milk.
It would be very thoughtful of the Department though if some memorial can be extended and awarded to the person who made it possible for the department to set up their Power Station in the heart of Dimapur Town, especially with the ever rising real estate value. All my father wanted in return was the Skoda Generator, since it was becoming out dated and with numerous hydro projects, the Generator would soon become obsolete, but that too he never got his wish, for the Generator was disposed off to a Contractor from Kohima a few years back. But till his last breadth he always advised me never to let anger or unforgiveness linger and hang around the family, for he forgave those individuals involved, thus I have nothing to say. If he is remembered, I am sure he would look down upon us from his heavenly abode with a smile on his face and tears of joy rolling down his cheeks, for it would mean much to a simple, big hearted person like my father. Generations will come and go, and as the years pass on, the factual truth will be forgotten, thus, it is the least the department can give back, to the person who had welcomed them with an open heart and open arms.
In conclusion, I would like to point out that it is our duty as consumers to check on those who tamper with the electricity lines and meters and steal electricity, damaging the infrastructure which had been set up with a lot of risk plus sweat and blood. It is also pertinent to highlight the achievements of the Department and appreciate the entire workforce of the department, right from the Minister or Parliamentary Secretary in charge, to the Engineers, the overseers, the linemen, the other grade 3 and 4 employees, right down to the Peon and Chowkidar for making it possible for us in Dimapur to be able to depend on them during the hot summers, where the air conditioners are usually kept running all through the day and also night, plus during the cold chilly winters where we depend on the electric heaters, the geysers and many other basic necessities. Let us not take it for granted and let us throw away the “that’s what they are paid to do” attitude, for remember a few decades back our forefathers never enjoyed such luxuries and even our fathers saw it as a novelty, which for this generation has become a basic necessity and one can think of what it will be in the near future. As a Dimapurian, I am proud of my Town, now, considered a city with the upgradation of the Town Committee to a Municipal Council, plus being the economic hub of the State and also the melting pot of India (you will find people of all races, creed and religion in Nagaland, living side by side), and the department of power has played a major part in the development of Dimapur and making it the place that it is today, which by the way is the fastest growing city in SE Asia or Asia (just to be safe). I part with a note of appreciation and gratitude and would like to remind the Department again that there are people who understand and feel and appreciate the work of the department. Keep up the good work.
