As monsoons set, more flood woes threaten Guwahati

APDCL cuts off power to three of 10 pump houses for non-payment of dues

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, June 16: Water might have receded from Guwahati streets after Wednesday's deluge, but the Water Resources department is keeping fingers crossed, hoping there will be no more rains in the next few days.

The reason - the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) has cut off power supply to three of the 10 pump houses due to non-payment of bills. The fate of the other pump houses could be similar if the outstanding dues are not cleared.

The 10 pump houses are used by the Water Resources department to remove storm water.

Following yesterday's deluge, the APDCL restored power supply to the Mora Bharalu (Bishnupur) pump house for pumping out the water. But power to the other two pump houses - Pandu and Sadilapur has not been restored yet.

The Executive Engineer of the Guwahati Mechanical Division of Water Resources department had in May last written a letter to the Commissioner & Secretary of Guwahati Development department citing the predicament.

Sources said outstanding electricity dues of the 10 pump houses are to the tune of Rs 1.49 crore.

The APDCL wrote to the DC earlier this month stating that it had disconnected power supply to the three pump houses due to non-payment of dues which were piling up. The power distributor had also said power supply cannot be restored unless the outstanding dues are cleared.

The issue has raised questions over the preparedness of the agencies and various departments to tackle disasters.

The capital city has been witnessing extensive water-logging over the past few years. Despite the imminent threat this year too, the authorities appear to be least bothered.