SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has addressed public concern over the frequent disruptions in power supply across major towns like Shillong, Tura, and Jowai, clarifying that the outages are “regulated shutdowns” necessary for crucial infrastructure upgrades, and not load shedding.
The Chief Minister, who has been receiving numerous messages from concerned citizens, emphasized that the shutdowns are an essential part of implementing the massive 900 crore Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
CM Sangma provided details on the extensive scope of the project, which aims to stabilize and strengthen the state’s power network, Approximately 2600 new transformers are being installed or replaced.3800 km of old, obsolete wires are being replaced. 4300 km of new power lines are being laid.
“I want to clarify to the people that this is not a load shedding, this is regulated shutdown and the main purpose of the shutdown is to implement the RDSS scheme,” the Chief Minister stated.
Acknowledging the inconvenience faced by the public, the Chief Minister assured that the government is taking measures to minimize the duration of the shutdowns.
However, he pointed out a significant “communication gap” where information about the scheduled maintenance is not reaching the grassroots level on time.
The CM has directed the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) and the Power Department to establish a “better communication system” to ensure timely and effective public dissemination of information.
Sangma appealed to the people to bear with the temporary disruptions, stressing that this is a “necessary procedure” being carried out for the “larger interest of a more stable power in the future” and for the benefit of the state.
