Nagaland power crisis intensifies

Renewable energy seen as a possible solution

DIMAPUR, APRIL 13 (MExN): A week after the revised and intensified load shedding schedule was introduced; a plan to redeem the crippling power shortage evades Nagaland state. Parliamentary Secretary for Power, Kipili Sangtam, has held discussions with officials of the department, which have failed to generate ideas on increasing power supply. This dire scenario could continue for a long time.

An official from the power department stated that it would be “very difficult” to solve the crisis. Commenting on the inevitability of the current status of power shortage, he opined that a solution would need the involvement of the central government. He added that unless there is diversion from the central power grid to Nagaland, the current shortage would continue. 

In an earlier press release, Chief Engineer of the Department of Power, K. Miachieo admitted an “acute shortage” of power—the peak demand of 110 MW and off-peak demand of 70 MW is being met by an availability of 40 MW and 25MW respectively. Even this fluctuates on a “day-to-day and hour-to-hour” basis.

No doubt then, concerns have been raised by people over the irregularity of the current load shedding schedule. However, on contacting the department it informed that the updated schedule for Dimapur has been consistent in its operation.  

Despite public uproar, the department seems unable to come up with a proactive solution. It has been reiterated by a number of people to The Morung Express that faced with the problem, the department is helpless. The need for not just the concerned department but the Nagaland state government as well to ‘act’ on the issue has also been expressed.

On the positive side, a step has been taken by the New and Renewable Energy department to address the issue. A 10 KW wind-solar power plant was inaugurated on April 9 by the Advisor to New and Renewable Energy, Khriehu Liezietsu. He informed that the state government has allocated 95 acres of land for setting up mega solar projects. Addressing the Kohima District Level National Science Day Celebration, Khriehu stated that the step is in response to power problems plaguing the state. 

This comes at a time when social networking sites are filled with discussions on sources of power generation in the state. Many are of the opinion that renewable energy could be the solution. However, there are others who question the economic and technical complexities of setting up clean energy sources.

One citizen noted, “Although admirable, I am skeptical that renewable energy would provide a complete solution to the problem.” He further stated that looking at the track record of government projects, the public has every right to be skeptical. “Can we expect pro-active and sincere steps from the government to address the issue?”