IMPHAL, Aug 20: The state electricity department has started laying underground power cable and automatic energy boxes in Imphal area to curb the menace of power theft, stated power minister Phunzathang Tonsing today.
The power minister was speaking as chief guest at Renewable Energy Day (Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas) organized by Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA) at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal.
He further stated the Central government has sanctioned the fund required for laying the underground cable in Imphal East and West districts. The underground cable will also be laid in Thoubal, Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts very soon.
The electricity department cannot alone address the power crisis in the state. Agencies like MANIREDA have been able to solve the power crisis to some extent by taking up wind, solar and hydel projects in various parts of the state, power minister asserted.
Phunzathang stated that all recognized villages in hill districts of the state will be electrified fully by 2012 under RGGVY scheme. The state government is hopeful to achieve the target if there is no obstacle in the implementation of the scheme, he added.
Health minister L Jayenta stated that renewable energy such as solar energy has been able to solve power shortage in vital institutions like hospitals and blood banks. People should try to harness various sources of renewable energy in the wake of global energy crisis, he enjoined.
The observation was also attended by H Imocha, commissioner science and technology, L Manglem, director MANIREDA.
The solar home lighting system could not be distributed to the toppers of Class-X and Class-XII examinations owing to the ongoing economic blockade. However, certificates of honour were handed over to the students.
A motor cycle rally was also organized by MANIREDA in connection with the observation.