The Power department has sanctioned more than 300 new power transformers to replace all faulty and damaged ones in villages across the State.
This was informed by PHE Minister, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar at the grand finale celebrations of Bijli Mahotsav held in Shillong today.
The Minister said that the initiatives and various schemes of the Central and State governments will ensure that each household throughout the state and the country as a whole will be electrified.
He stated that the government is working on correcting all the challenges that the Power department and called upon the cooperation of the people to achieve the vision of becoming a power surplus state in the coming years.
The function held at U Soso Tham Auditorium also had a virtual interactive session on listening mode about Bijli Mahotsav in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the beneficiaries of power schemes across the country.
In West Garo Hills, the celebration was held at DRDA Hall where Adviser to the Chief Minister, Thomas A Sangma graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Sangma expressed concern on how a village with few households, which have not been connected electricity due to some reasons, have received electricity bills since they are under the purview of all census villages. He urged people to cooperate and try to work out and solve amicably in case any such situation arises in future.
He also emphasized on uninterrupted power supply.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Swapnil Tembe urged citizens to come forward for solar rooftop harnessing and advised the department officials to expedite the process of implementation of any schemes in the area.
Beneficiaries from Chandigre, Tosekgre, Darechikgre, Buripara. etc while sharing their experiences stated that they have to live in darkness before they were covered under the scheme adding that after electricity connection life became different and has helped children to study their lessons as well as for other daily activities of the people in the village.
Meanwhile, the celebration was also held in Gokulgre MFC hall in Resubelpara, North Garo Hills yesterday to encourage public participation and to highlight the development in power sector.
Sordars, Nokmas, members of SHGs and general public of the area benefitted from the programme.
Addressing the gathering Bajengdoba MLA, Pongseng Marak lauded the officials and workmen of power department. “From braving various challenges to risking their own lives, the effort of power employees in ensuring the supply of electricity is not disrupted is highly commendable”, he added
While calling for judicious use of electricity, Marak urged the gathering to pay the electricity bill in time and thus avoid unusual high electricity bill.
“In the past electricity supply was short and people had to endured various hardships in day to day life. But with the advances of electricity, life has become much easier”, Sangma added.
While stressing on the importance of electricity, he exhorted the gathering to be responsible citizens in proper utilisation of electricity and appealed them not to resort to power theft.
During the programme, benefits of smart meter were elaborated and films on universal household electrification, village electrification, strengthening of distribution system, capacity addition, one nation one grid, renewable energy and consumer rights were exhibited to the gathering.
