OUR CORRESPONDENT
ITAGAR, Aug 3: Denizens of Tezu Township in Lohit district of Aruchal Pradesh are bearing the brunt of serious power crisis amidst sweltering heat with the two power projects in the district mely Dura llah (3x100 KW) and Tafragam (2x100 kw) failed to cater to the needs of the consumers.
The denizens have been waiting for completion of the 132 KV transmission lines which would connect the district with the central power grid. Coming down heavily on the Hydro Power Department (HPD) which has miserably failed to run the only local feeder, a citizen from Tafragam alleged that despite crores of funds were spent on maintence of the turbine supplied by Toshiba hi-tech, no initiative taken by the department to replace it which is under warranty.
He further alleged that the department has misused the public money for ught.
“The Toshiba turbines are in non-functiol condition since the day of installation and Tafragam turbine which used to generate 100 to 150 KW has reduced its generation to 50 KW after major repairing work by spending several crores,” he added.
“Both the projects cover Changliang, Dhuraliang, Tafragam, Tezugam, VKV Tafragam and Khoraliang villages and facilitate VIP supply in the township especially to district hospital, IGG College, DC/SP office, Government Higher Secondary School and illumites the street light at night. But regrettably at present 30 to 40 KW of generation from Dhuralah MHS has failed to fulfill the crisis,” rued another conscious citizen from the township.
When tried to find out the actual quantum of water discharge, a common excuse of the department, sources revealed that it is about 1600 litres which is sufficient to run the triple synchronized turbines of Dura llah hydel and also sufficient to run the second phase of Tafragam MHS too.
“The department is citing the issue of less discharge of water which is a lame excuse,” added the sources.
Sources further informed that both Dura llah and Tafragam hydel stations are funded by the union ministry of new and renewable energy and the department had so far received Rs. 402.63 lakh (including state share of Rs 90 lakh) and Rs. 282.70 lakh (state share Rs 56.26 lakh) for Dura llah and Tafragam hydel projects respectively, but unfortutely the plants are yet to be made functiol.
When enquired on the amount of power generation from Dura llah MHS, JE Y N Pathak informed that the power house receives only 30 to 40 KW of generation from the project which is very meager to meet the requirements.
“The 33 KV power transmission line drawing power from Kothalguri in Assam is overloaded during peak summer. Breakers, transformers, live wire get spped at various locations disrupting normal power supply,” stated Patkah.
“We don’t have options to upgrade the present power line to draw 4 MW of power from Assam as it is a costly affair following the state government’s concern,” he added.
Local MLA Dr Mohesh Chai during the recently concluded assembly drawn the attention of the chief minister on the pathetic power scerio of the district and non-functioning of both the projects, to which the chief minister assured to renovate and restore them at the earliest.