DIMAPUR, AUGUST 4 (MExN): The Nagaland Public Rights Awareness and Action Forum (NPRAAF) on Friday urged the Engineer-in-Chief, Department of Power, to urgently address the power crisis which is severely affecting the masses.
A representation submitted to the Engineer-in-Chief by NPRAAF said the erratic power supply is stunting the growth of industries, affecting business especially small scale industries like carpentry, steel fabrication, mechanical workshops, water refinery, ice cream factory to name a few.
At the same time, it was causing immense hardship to students particularly during exams and to the public in this unbearable summer heat in Dimapur.
While acknowledging the contribution of the E-in-C of the power department, the Forum alleged that the department has become like a “business house for selfish contractors and suppliers and some of the serving engineers of the concerned department.”
In this connection, the NPRAAF has suggested that the department conduct review meeting of all contractors by the chief engineers along with the department officials and work progress of all projects be exhibited with slide shows on the day. The engineers should be present to explain the status of the ongoing projects and expected time of work completion as well.
It also suggested that the contractors should be pulled up in the event of incompetent work or non- execution of works. This exercise will compel the contractors and department officials to be more transparent.
The Forum also demanded that firms registered by serving engineers to execute contract works in the department should not be awarded contracts and instead disciplinary action should be initiated against those unethical engineers, while adding, “engineers who are suppose to supervise contract works and give reports cannot do the same for their own individual gain.”
The Forum urged the concerned department to meticulously monitor the work taken up by Mohan Singh & Sons in order to ensure quality workmanship.
The Forum has also appealed the department to put up a proposal to Government of India at the earliest to avail more high KV voltage electric power transmission line with high tower, power station and sub-stations under IPDS scheme or with NEC for Nagaland State so as to have uninterrupted power supply at all times.
It further pointed out that the power line between Dimapur to Kohima was planted during the 60s and therefore is at the twilight of its life span. If the power station breaks down without alternative plan in hand, there could be total black out of power in the two cities and it will take a very long time to restore power, it apprehended.
The Forum suggested that the department can put up a proposal for availing at least 220KV or higher power electric transmission line with high tower to cater to the needs on top priority.
While maintaining that the representation is been submitted in good faith so that the responsible department officials will ponder over it seriously, the Forum however put in a word of caution that if the department remain oblivious to the demands cited above, it will not hesitate to take the issues further.
