Al Ngullie
Dimapur | July 10
Power-deficit Nagaland can now look forward to brighter days ahead: the Central government has finally approved the request of the Nagaland government for allocation of additional power-load. The Ministry of Power, Government of India, set the recommendation recently that an additional power of 15 Megawatts would be allocated to Nagaland, currently receiving about 75 Megawatts from all source.
To add more to the now brightened prospects of citizens enjoying fuller service of their bulbs, the state government is also expected to request an allocation from the Eastern grid (not the North-East grid). An official action to this effect is yet to be, but it is certainly in the priority agenda, state officials informed
This ‘bright recommendation’ is expected to offer respite to the citizens of the state, so acquainted with dark, stifling half-days like it was several months ago. The power shortage in the state had witnessed about seven months of chronic load-shedding – one of the worst crisis phases in the power sector ever recorded– all over the state. The latest development comes after a rattled Government of Nagaland in April dispatched an SOS to the Center for more power under what was earlier stated as “allocation under special dispensation.”
Commissioner & Secretary for Power Talitemjen Toy, IAS, has confirmed of this. The recommendation is expected to be officially received by the state within a short frame of time. The Commissioner is currently in Delhi. He said to have been informed of the recommendation. Currently the needful formalities are in process, Commissioner Toy said.
The darker side of the news: Dimapur, will continue to witness ‘dark periods,’ Commissioner Toy said. This is due to the high power consumption as well as its transformer-capacity vis-à-vis the state’s total usage. Relative to the percentage of power-sharing, Dimapur registers about 45 % on peak hours and 65 % on off-peaks while Kohima stands at 35% and 25% respectively. The total requirement of the state currently stands at 75 MW.
Notwithstanding, Nagaland doesn’t receive 75 but lower, at times as low as 40%, Commissioner Toy said The additional allocation, however, will offer a respite for the time being. Relatively, the state government is mulling requesting the eastern grid for additional power. Currently Nagaland is dependent only on the North-East grid. The power source of the Eastern grid is thermal.
Commissioner Toy also sought to highlight an appeal to the people: Don’t always blame the Power department for it is exerting its best to contain the situation. He reminded that power-theft is a serious offense punishable under law. “The department is always blamed. But the people should also have respect for the rule of law; power is a precious commodity not a natural free gift from God; it (power) is paid for” he reminded.
The power chief also cited an instance: The habit of locals stealing the metal appendages of power towers.
He reminded that the people have also the onus to participate in prudent use of power. Payment of electricity bills and prevention of power-theft were some of his concern he appealed to the people to taken into active consideration. He lamented that the Aggregate Technical & Commercial Loss (ATCL) factor in Nagaland is very high, about 59%, running into crores. This fall is due to imprudent power consumption and usage by citizens, he implied.
To the query whether or not Doyang Hydro Electric Project (DHEP) should be approached since it is the only conduit in Nagaland, Commissioner Toy explained the constraints involved. He said DHEP is a CPSU (central private service undertaking) with no investment from the Nagaland government. This dispensation and control is convenient, Commissioner Toy observed, since Nagaland has not to spend more on expensive power from other states. The state receives 12% free and an additional 6% power from DHEP. The rest have to be bought.
Morung Express News
