TAWANG, OCT 14:
Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo on Wednesday chaired a coordination meeting with power-related agencies and public representatives to review winter preparedness and discuss measures to minimise power disruptions across the district.
The meeting was attended by officials of the Departments of Power and Hydro Power Development, representatives of private hydropower projects, Tawang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs), Bazar Secretaries, Additional Deputy Commissioners of Jang and Lumla, and other district officials.
Executive Engineer (Electrical), Department of Power, Tawang, Sange Phuntso, presented an assessment of electricity demand and availability, with and without the 33 kV Dukumpani–Tawang power supply. He also outlined possible load-shedding measures to manage shortages during peak winter months.
Hydropower project representatives highlighted inadequate grid infrastructure as a major challenge, noting that sudden power disruptions often require synchronisation of hydropower units. The Executive Engineer urged public representatives and Bazar Secretaries to sensitise residents, particularly owners of commercial buildings and hotels, to limit the use of high-power-consuming equipment during shortages.
The meeting also discussed the phased installation of smart meters under the Centre’s flagship programmes. ZPMs raised concerns expressed by villagers over higher electricity bills following installation and called for awareness meetings to explain the system’s functioning, benefits and billing mechanism.
Bazar Secretaries, meanwhile, reported that shops and commercial establishments in their areas had installed smart meters and were cooperating with the department.
Gombu called for stronger coordination among hydropower developers and government departments to ensure a dependable winter power supply. He urged authorities to expedite commissioning of the Shyaro Hydropower Project and develop a stronger transmission grid between Dirang and Tawang. He also highlighted frequent winter damage to power lines due to heavy snowfall and stressed timely clearance of tree branches obstructing transmission lines.
Angmo called for proactive planning and timely action to address winter power shortages. She directed the department to issue advance notices about anticipated power cuts and load-shedding schedules to keep the public informed.
The DC said recurring disruptions were largely linked to grid constraints, while right-of-way issues and other infrastructure-related challenges had delayed solutions. She urged public representatives to sensitise villagers about the difficulties and encourage cooperation with the department.
Highlighting Tawang’s importance as a tourist destination, Angmo said frequent power cuts during winter and the tourist season remained a concern. She called on all stakeholders to work together towards a sustainable solution and minimise disruptions.
The meeting concluded with a renewed emphasis on coordination among power-generating agencies, distribution authorities, public representatives and the district administration to improve winter preparedness and ensure a more reliable electricity supply.