Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal today expressed hope that electricity generation from Umiam reservoir would become normal once the monsoon arrives.
Mondal also said that the heavy rain that lashed Shillong and its adjoining areas has led to a slight increase in the water level at Umiam dam.
The state received 142 mm of rainfall which lasted for hours. The Umiam dam which was on the verge of closure for power generation as the water level has dipped to 3,162.30 feet has now seen the level increased to 3,164.95 feet.
The rainfall which started in the morning and lasted till afternoon has caused flooding in several low lying areas like Pynthorbah, Pynthorumkhrah, Langkyrding and Nongmynsong in the city. Vehicular movement in these areas was disrupted due to water logging.
“We are hoping that the situation will now be better and with more rains it will be in our favour and give relief to the electricity consumers,” Mondal said, adding that in the past too, the power crisis was solved once the monsoon arrived.
“More rains means streams will flow longer and rivers will have water for a longer period of time. That’s why we want more rain. As far as Umiam is concerned the situation was that the old road was visible so we needed the entire dam to be filled to meet the required generation expected. More rain means more electricity,” he said.
Currently, Meghalaya is completely dependent on hydro power projects for electricity. Power generation in the rainy season is sufficient whereas in the lean season, power cuts had to be resorted to due to low volume of water in Umiam and other hydel projects such as Leshka and Umtrew.
Mondal said the State is looking at other alternatives like thermal power, solar and wind energy as long term measures to tide over the power crisis.
“Wind mapping is being done and we feel the southern slope of the State will receive huge wind just coming across the Bay of Bengal and coming over targeting our hills, but as of now perception is that it will take time to go for this kind of energy generation,” he said.
