Among all the vital components that are considered to be essential for ushering in long-term development of any state or region, power will be a front-ranking one. Given this generally accepted notion, Friday’s virtual meeting participated by the state’s DCM and the Union Power Minister was highly significant. A slew of demands and proposals have been placed by the state and it can be said that they all carry legitimacy. It is a matter of great consternation that Arunachal despite being officially acknowledged as the hydropower house of the country is always on a struggling mode to meet its internal demand even. Necessity for a relook over this issue and a strong political will have been reiterated for countless number of times. But, the current power scenario of the state is an ample proof that there is a huge gap between what can be done and what had been done so far. As a citizen of the state, one can only wish that the positivity, if any, that has emanated from the discussion be reflected on the ground and it doesn’t turn out to be ‘just another meeting’.

Regarding Arunachal’s hydropower capabilities, even a school student anywhere in the country, thanks to any standard Geography book, must be aware of the fact that the state carries potential to such levels that India’s power scarcity can be effaced to a major extent. It has also been calculated that power tariffs across the country can be effectively reduced only if Arunachal is explored appropriately. But it’s a long wait till now and how many years, if not decades will be necessary for this realisation is a million-dollar question. Temporarily putting aside this ‘unrealised dream’, if attention is drawn to the state’s power distribution infra qualities, it can be said that negligence has taken a chronic proportion. The issue has been rightly highlighted in the meeting and it will be a matter of great injustice to the state if it is side-stepped. It is a common news item during the monsoon that any power mishap normally takes not just a couple of days but a full week or more to put things in order. It is a technical fact that the power distribution network in the state is very nearly ‘antique’ and as such putting the entire blame on the natural calamities will not be appropriate. Arunachal do deserve at least a reasonable portion of the 90k cr power package that forms a component of the ‘Self-reliant India’ mission to rectify its power distribution channels as the annual overhead expenditure particularly regarding maintenance is much higher compared to the mainland states.

The state must pursue its power needs with extra tenacity and if necessary, knock the Centre’s doors time and again.  

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List