TAWANG, Oct 14: The Tawang district administration has reviewed preparedness for the upcoming winter season, emphasising stronger coordination among power-generating agencies, distribution authorities and other stakeholders to ensure reliable electricity supply and minimise disruptions.
A coordination meeting was held in the chamber of Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo to assess power availability, anticipate winter-related challenges and discuss measures to manage potential shortages.
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 Lungla, and other district officials.
Executive Engineer (Electrical), Department of Power, Tawang, Sange Phuntso, presented an assessment of the district's 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 necessitate the synchronisation of hydropower units.
The Executive Engineer urged public representatives, administrative officers and Bazar Secretaries to sensitise residents, particularly owners of commercial buildings and hotels, to minimise the use of high-power-consuming equipment during periods of shortage.
The meeting also discussed the mandatory installation of smart meters under the Government of India's flagship programmes. Officials said the installation would be carried out in phases. ZPMs, however, conveyed villagers' concerns over increased electricity bills following smart meter installation and called for awareness meetings to explain the system's functioning, benefits and billing mechanism. Bazar Secretaries, however, informed that shops and business establishments in their respective areas had installed smart meters and were cooperating with the department.
ZPC Leki Gombu stressed the need for better coordination among hydropower developers and concerned departments to ensure a dependable power supply throughout winter. He urged the department to expedite the commissioning of the Shyaro Hydropower Project and develop a robust transmission grid from Dirang to Tawang.
He also highlighted frequent damage to power lines due to heavy snowfall, which forces maintenance personnel to undertake repairs beyond Sela Pass under difficult conditions. He called for timely clearance of tree branches obstructing power lines to prevent avoidable disruptions.
Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo emphasised proactive planning and timely preparedness to address winter power shortages. She directed the department to issue advance notices informing the public about anticipated power cuts and load-shedding schedules.
The DC observed that recurring disruptions were largely linked to grid constraints, while right-of-way (RoW) issues and other infrastructure-related challenges contributed to delays in resolving the problem. She urged PRI members to sensitise villagers about the prevailing difficulties and encourage public cooperation with measures aimed at improving electricity supply.
Highlighting Tawang's importance as a major tourist destination, the DC said frequent power cuts during the tourist season and winter months were a concern for both the government and the district administration. She reiterated the need for collective efforts to resolve the issues and achieve a sustainable solution.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening coordination among power agencies, public representatives and the district administration to improve winter preparedness and minimise electricity disruptions across the district. (DIPRO)