TAWANG, 14 Oct: Tawang DC Namgyal Angmo emphasized the need for proactive planning, effective coordination and timely preparedness to address the challenges associated with winter power demand and supply constraints in the district.
While reviewing the district's preparedness for the upcoming winter season during a meeting here on Wednesday, the DC observed that the recurring power disruptions in the district were largely linked to grid-related constraints, while delays in resolving infrastructure issues were also associated with right-of-way (RoW) and other related challenges.
The meeting was held to explore measures to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted power supply across the district.
The DC said that the department is making every possible effort to improve the situation and directed it to issue advance circulars informing the public about any anticipated power cuts or load-shedding schedules. She urged PRI members to sensitize villagers about the prevailing difficulties, encourage cooperation with the department and support measures aimed at improving the power supply situation.
Highlighting Tawang's importance as a major tourist destination, the DC said that frequent power cuts during the tourist season and winter months are a matter of concern for both the government and the district administration. She reiterated that efforts are underway to resolve the issues at the earliest and called upon all stakeholders to work collectively towards a sustainable solution.
Tawang ZPC Leki Gombu stressed the need for stronger coordination among all hydropower developers and the departments concerned to ensure uninterrupted power supply throughout the winter season. He urged the department to expedite the commissioning of the Shyaro Hydropower Project and work towards establishing a robust transmission grid from Dirang to Tawang.
He pointed out that heavy snowfall during winter frequently disrupts power lines, requiring maintenance personnel to undertake repair work beyond Sela Pass under difficult conditions.
Earlier, executive engineer (electrical) Sange Phuntso provided a detailed assessment of the district's electricity demand and power availability, both with and without the 33 KV Dukumpani-Tawang power supply. He also outlined the proposed load-shedding measures that may be implemented, if necessary, to manage potential power shortages during the peak winter months.
The EE urged PRI members, administrative officers and bazar committee secretaries to sensitize the public, especially owners of commercial buildings and hotels, to cooperate with the department of power by minimizing the use of high-power-consuming equipment during periods of power shortage.
Representatives of the hydropower projects highlighted the challenges faced by power developers, particularly the lack of adequate grid infrastructure, which often necessitates the synchronisation of hydropower units during sudden power disruptions.
The meeting also discussed the mandatory installation of smart meters. The department informed the participants that the installation would be undertaken in a phased manner.
The ZPMs, however, conveyed concerns raised by villagers regarding increased electricity bills following the installation of smart meters and suggested that another round of awareness meetings be organised to explain the functioning, benefits and billing mechanism of the system.
Bazar secretaries said that shops and business establishments in their respective areas had installed smart meters and were cooperating with the department.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the department of power, department of hydro power development, various private hydropower projects, all ZPMs, bazar committee secretaries, ADCs of Jang and Lungla, and officials of the district administration. (DIPRO)
