Last week the Union Cabinet gave approval to the revised cost estimates of the scheme that aims to strengthen the power transmission and distribution infrastructure of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim which is quite a big amount of Rs 9,129.32 crore. Speaking about Arunachal, power has always been an issue of deep lament as despite having huge potential in terms of generation, particularly when it comes to hydropower, as of now, it’s still far from reaching the true potential. This could not only have ensured power self-sufficiency for the state but also have given wide opportunity in terms of revenue earning by selling the surplus to the rest of the country. However, the fundamental aspect without which realisation of any of the above goals will be next to impossible is the quality and reliability of transmission system. Evidently, daily experiences of a majority of electricity consumers in the state will speak volume of the prevailing state of affairs. Even if the power consumption pattern has undergone a sea change with arrival and usage of more and more daily-to-use gadgets, the quality and capability of transmission infra have not been upgraded, resulting in nagging technical snags. The state’s problem is more complicated compared to the mainland as nature-induced hiccups are unavoidable.

The revised scheme which was initially approved in December 2014 has set a two-fold target- full commissioning of the awarded scope of works in a phased manner within December 2021 and 36 months for the un-awarded packages. The central public sector electric utility behemoth which is also a Maharatna PSU is executing the infra upgradation project, after completion of which the state will own and maintain it. Importance of the project for Arunachal’s overall progress is huge since it will ensure the much-awaited reliable power grid connectivity through the load centres under construction, thereby connecting the villages and towns located in remote and border areas. This is a process which should have commenced at least 10-15 years earlier and the reason why real economic development hasn’t been a reality in the state can be linked with this factor, one of the many that also needs urgent attention. The foremost task now is to complete the project within deadline(s) and both Powergrid and state’s Power Department must play their respective roles. While the technical side is entirely a subject of Powergrid, the state must play the role of a facilitator, with no room for either parties to blame each other. Before arrival of the revised Central package, in a meeting last month chaired by DCM Chowna Mein, the central power utility company while being assured full cooperation from GoAP’s behalf was reminded of the approaching deadline(s). More such periodic meetings are necessary to keep alive the urge.

Both Powergrid and the state must deliver results.