UKHRUL: The Kasom Khullen Sub-Division in Kamjong District, Manipur, is experiencing frequent power cuts that disrupt daily activities. Since heavy thunderstorms damaged power lines on March 16, the region has faced ongoing power outages and near power blackouts. Authorities have attributed these issues to various factors, including adverse weather conditions, the long distances of power lines that make them prone to interruptions, and a shortage of adequate manpower.
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On a visit to the Kasom Khullen sub-station by this Ukhrul Times correspondent today, it was informed that the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) and the Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL) are responsible for power supply and distribution in the area. 33KV feeder supplies power from Thoubal Power Station to Kasom Khullen Sub-station, and thereafter the 11KV feeder distributes to almost all areas of the sub-division.
Davish Meitei Thongam, Manager of MSPCL, through a telephonic conversation, explained that the 33KV feeder carries power to the Kasom Khullen sub-station from Thoubal via Yairipok. He noted that while the 33KV line is clear, power cuts still occur periodically due to thunderstorms and the windy season.
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When asked about the department’s manpower situation, he mentioned that there are currently seven staff members, but not all are present due to the ongoing situation in the state. Nevertheless, he assured that the department has done its best to maintain the power supply line. He added that the decision to sanction more staff relies on higher authorities.
Similarly, Santosh, Manager of MSPDCL, pointed out that the long distance of the feeder and geographical factors contribute to the issues faced, in addition to manpower shortages. He indicated that both the Kasom Khullen Sub-division and Phungyar Sub-division currently have only four staff members each, which is insufficient to cover their territories.
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Further, he mentioned that the Kasom Khullen Sub-station has two feeders: the Kasom Khullen Feeder and the Nambashi Khullen Feeder.
“Owing to the long powerline feeder distance and manpower shortage, the department faces hardships in maintaining line clearance,” he stated, adding that the villagers often volunteered in jungle clearance for power lines. A substation is under construction at Nambashi Khullen, and once it is completed, the power supply condition in the region will improve, he added.
The manager further pointed out that the company spends approximately 50-60 crores per month in acquiring electricity from the grid (outside Manipur), and there is no such free electricity scheme from the government. While appreciating the voluntary help rendered by the villagers in jungle clearance leading to reduced power restoration time, the manager has sought continued cooperation from the consumers, including proper bill payments and assistance.
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“Though it is still hard to provide 24/7 electricity due to the large geographical area, we are still looking forward to bringing that regularity to hilly areas too. New substations are being developed through Schemes (MPSCL) in High Tension and Low Tension infrastructures through MSPDCL. We are carrying out these infrastructure developments to enhance regularity in power supply,” he informed.
Junior Engineer MSPDCL Mark Athary added that due to long distances, detecting insulator problems remains an obstacle in the timely restoration of the power supply.