IMPHAL, Jan 21: The state electricity department is all set to launch stern drive against power theft which accounts for about 70 percent of power loss in Manipur.
Speaking to mediapersons today, the chief engineer of Manipur Electricity Department, N. Sarat stated that 75-80 percent of power has been lost in the state due to technical and commercial factors which is in fact the highest power loss in India. However, the present condition of power supply in the state can be improved only when the percentage of power loss comes down to about 40 percent.
He further said that power theft is a real menace to the problem of power loss and the department will launch stern drive in different parts of the state excluding the hill districts from January 24 onwards.
Power theft is a cognizable and non-bailable offense under the Electricity Act, 2003, and two session judges have also been appointed to deal with cases related to power at the Special Court (Electricity), the chief engineer stated.
There is overdue electricity bill of Rs 280 crores to be collected from the regular consumers and so the power crisis in the state can be solved only through people’s support and cooperation. All unauthorized power lines will be disconnected and strict action will be taken against the defaulters as per the electricity act, Sarat noted.
He also said that the transmission line from Imphal to Silchar has been upgraded to 400 KV with the capacity of carrying 1000 MW. The power condition in the state will be improved furthermore with the commissioning of thermal power plants at Platana and Bongaigaon in Assam.
The chief engineer also announced that pre-paid power supply based on commensurate billing will be started soon in Imphal City for which laying of underground power cables is still underway in parts of Imphal.
He further appealed to the people to render utmost help and support to the department in conducting drive against power theft which will help to elevate power supply in the state.
It may be mentioned that the Gauhati High Court, Imphal Bench, issued a notice of motion returnable within four weeks to the concerned power authority yesterday as per the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by three individuals, namely Prof. Amar Yumnam, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam and Pradip Phanjoubam regarding the erratic power supply in the state.
