Nongpoh, October 13: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Nongpoh Circle, on Tuesday met the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi District over frequent electricity breakdowns in Nongpoh and adjoining areas and renewed its long-pending demand for a 132/33 kV substation in the town.
The delegation was led by KSU Nongpoh Circle General Secretary Baiashanlang Kharshanlor, along with other leaders and members of the Union.
The KSU said its demand for reliable power supply and installation of a 132/33 kV substation dates back to 2012, when the Union, along with other NGOs and local headmen, began raising concerns over recurring power disruptions in the area.
The issue was again taken up in 2023, when the Union submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner on August 3 and held a rally demanding long-term strengthening of electricity infrastructure in Nongpoh.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the Deputy Commissioner assured the delegation that the matter would be pursued with the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) at the earliest.
He also assured that a joint meeting involving the district administration, MeECL and KSU representatives would be convened to discuss the issue and explore possible solutions.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Kharshanlor expressed concern that the “game of hide and seek” with electricity supply continued in Nongpoh despite years of appeals to the authorities.
He said frequent power disruptions were affecting residents, businesses, entrepreneurs and students preparing for examinations.
The KSU leader said unreliable electricity was also making it difficult for small entrepreneurs to operate effectively, particularly as many could not afford generators or alternative power sources.
Kharshanlor also questioned why Nongpoh continued to face frequent power interruptions while areas such as Umiam and Byrnihat, which have substantial industrial activity, appeared to experience fewer disruptions.
He urged the concerned authorities to examine the reasons and take corrective measures.
The Union stressed that reliable electricity is particularly important for Nongpoh as the district headquarters, where government offices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, businesses and households depend on a stable power supply.
The KSU welcomed the Deputy Commissioner’s assurance and said it would place suggestions and possible measures before the proposed joint meeting with MeECL.
The Union expressed hope that the meeting would result in concrete decisions and a clear course of action towards resolving the longstanding electricity problem in Nongpoh and its adjoining areas.
