Shortage of power supply hampering industrial growth, says BJP

EMN
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 22

Expressing deep concern over the shortage of power supply in the state which also result to hampering the growth of industries, State Unit BJP Nagaland president, Dr M Chuba Ao has pointed that that many potential investors are reluctant to set up their units in the state, ‘knowing the power status of the state’. In a press statemnet issued to the media on Sunday, the BJP president said the much awaited 100 MVA transformer ordered in September 2011 from Gujarat finally landed in Nagaland in May 2013 and was supposed to be functional after two months but it took 6 months.
“People were delighted to hear that it was commissioned on November 23 and expected with high hope that the power situation in the state will improve but to their dismay, the fluctuation of power continued especially in Dimapur. Everyday there is more than 5 hours load- shedding. If this is the situation in the off- season, we can just imagine the condition in summer where everyone will start using fans, coolers and Air-conditioners etc,” the statement said.
It also expressed surprise to know that the department is running at a lost with nearly Rupees 120-155 cores annually. The department which was established in the year 1964 still seems to have many loopholes in its management part. Power is a basic need for the people, agricultural sectors and Industrial/Business sectors in the state and it cannot be comprised due to complacent attitude of the policy makers, it stated.
While appreciating the newly introduced systems, such as pre-paid power meters, Anti-Power Theft Mobile Squad and communitisation of electricity board in the state, the party viewed that the department need to thoroughly review the policies and programmes seriously and make necessary changes with expertise advice if needed, thus turn the department into a ‘revenue earning department and not a charitable department’.
“As we see rapid urbanization coupled with improved socio- economy in the state, unless the Policy makers and the Department are well prepared to face the demand and supply, the state would continue to face the same shortage of power,” the statement maintained.
It may be mentioned that the demand of power in the state, at the peak season is 110 MW, while at the off-peak is 70 MW.
The party also suggests that the department make revisions of tariff on time, have an effective billing system and replace non- functioning meters in time.
On the other hand, it also asked the people of the state to realize that they purchase petrol and diesel to run their vehicles, while LPG is used for cooking, so also electricity/power is used for lighting purpose and for using other electrical appliances. Therefore, it maintained that ‘one has to pay and use it’.
The state government has also purchased power from outside sources, so we cannot expect it to be free of cost. The party also appealed to the people to change their attitude and change the evil practices of tampering their meters, stealing energy and by-passing meters etc and also to sincerely pay their light bills in time to enjoy maximum benefit.