Shillong, March 23: Meghalaya has 524 damaged transformers during the year 2016-17.
This was informed in Assembly today by Power Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar while replying to a question raised by Congress MLA, Dikkanchi D. Shira.
Dhar informed that during 2013-14 the number of damaged transformers stood at 415, during 2014-15 there were 428 damaged transformers, and 492 damaged transformers during the 2015-16 in all the 11 districts of the state.
During 2013-2014, the amount of money spent for repair/replacement of damaged transformers was Rs 307.63 lakh as the cost of repair of damaged transformers, and Rs 506.12 lakh as the cost of purchase of new transformers.
Among others, he said that some of the major causes for the damage of transformers include lightning, adverse weather condition, power theft in village through illegal connections besides others.
Dhar said that if the damage of transformer is minor, it was replaced by an old but repaired transformer.
To a question raised by HSPDP legislator, Ardent M Basaiawmoit on the number of damaged transformers that have been repaired and replaced, Dhar said that over 250 transformers in the whole state is yet to be restored.
