SHILLONG: Two days after the century-old Shillong Bar Association building was reduced to ashes in a fire mishap following suspected electric short circuit, the government is mulling audit of the electrical supplies of the iconic and heritage wooden structures in Shillong.
Informing that Power Minster Abu Taher Mondal urged the people to be cautious and not allow over loading in their residences.
“It is not possible for the department to check the power connection in each and every household. People can come forward and register complaints if they are facing issues and the corporation will immediately rectify them,” he told the press on Monday.
Addressing concerns about eroded electric poles and tangled wires in various parts of the city, he assured that the corporation would promptly replace such poles upon receiving complaints.
ALSO READ 2nd blaze in 4 months; CM assesses damage at heritage Shillong Bar Association building
Earlier on February 24, the historic building of the Shillong Bar Association fell victim to a devastating fire.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, reports in the local press hint it was caused by a short-circuit.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, present at the scene to assess damages and provide assistance on Saturday night, affirmed the government’s commitment to monitoring the situation closely.
The incident marks the second major fire to afflict the capital in recent months. Last October, a tragic fire at a building in Police Bazar, Shillong, resulted in significant loss of life.
These incidents are expected to prompt discussions about improving emergency readiness and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the cabinet has approved the Meghalaya Power Policy 2024 to attract investment and enhance power generation efficiency in the state.
Power Minister Mondal stressed that the policy’s key points include pumped storage projects alongside hydel, thermal, and solar initiatives.
