Shillong: Repeated power outages have become a way of life for residents of Amlarem subdivision in West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, prompting former Home Minister and UDP legislator Lahkmen Rymbui to raise the issue in the Assembly on Wednesday.
He noted that despite housing two power projects — Lakroh and Leshka — the border subdivision near Bangladesh continues to face crippling shortages.
“Candlelight dinners may be a luxury elsewhere, but in Amlarem they are a daily compulsion,” Rymbui remarked, urging the government to intervene at the earliest.
Responding to the concern, Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal attributed the disruptions to frequent storms, heavy rain, and strong winds in the Amlarem and Bakur-Dawki-Darrang belt.
He said power lines often pass through plantations of betel nut, banana, bamboo, and other vegetation, making them vulnerable to snapped conductors and fallen trees.
Planned shutdowns for system upgrades under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and LR works have also contributed to interruptions, he added.
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Mondal assured the House that the government is moving to strengthen infrastructure, with the Syndai sub-station upgrade soon to be sanctioned.
He further said the power shortage in Rajabala constituency would be addressed within the year once its sub-station becomes operational.
Highlighting manpower on the ground, the minister informed that 16 linemen and jugalis are currently deployed in Amlarem to carry out repairs and ensure quicker restoration.
“Steps are being taken to minimise outages, and we are committed to providing stable power supply to the people,” Mondal said.
