Nongpoh, October 13: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Nongpoh Circle, has urged the district administration to address frequent electricity disruptions in Nongpoh and adjoining areas, with the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi assuring a joint meeting with the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) to discuss possible solutions.
A KSU delegation led by its Nongpoh Circle General Secretary, Baiashanlang Kharshanlor, met the Deputy Commissioner at his office on Tuesday to highlight the longstanding problem and renew its demand for a 132/33 kV substation at Nongpoh.
The Union said it had been raising concerns over the unreliable power supply since 2012, along with other NGOs and local headmen. Despite repeated representations, the problem continues to affect residents, businesses and institutions in the area.
The demand was renewed in 2023, when the Union submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner on August 3 and organised a rally seeking the installation of the proposed substation to strengthen the electricity infrastructure and reduce frequent power cuts.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the Deputy Commissioner assured the delegation that the matter would be taken up with MeECL at the earliest. He said the issue could not be resolved in a single day but assured the Union that he would follow up with the concerned department to obtain its response.
He also assured the delegation that a joint meeting involving the district administration, MeECL and KSU representatives would be convened to discuss the issue and identify possible solutions.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Kharshanlor expressed concern that frequent power disruptions continued despite years of appeals to the authorities. He said the situation was affecting households, local businesses, entrepreneurs and students preparing for examinations.
He pointed out that unreliable electricity made it difficult for entrepreneurs to operate effectively, particularly small businesses that could not afford generators or other alternative power sources. This, he said, placed additional financial pressure on local business owners.
Kharshanlor also questioned why Nongpoh continued to experience recurring power disruptions while areas such as Umiam and Byrnihat, which have significant industrial activity, appeared to face fewer interruptions. He urged the authorities to examine the reasons and take corrective measures.
The Union stressed that reliable electricity was essential for Nongpoh, which serves as the district headquarters, as government offices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, businesses and households depend on a stable power supply.
Welcoming the Deputy Commissioner’s assurance, KSU Nongpoh Circle said it would put forward suggestions and possible measures during the proposed joint meeting with MeECL. The Union expressed hope that the discussions would lead to concrete decisions and a clear course of action to address the longstanding problem.
