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Imphal, Sept. 21: Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today said the power crisis in the state would gradually ease but it would take the government the next three decades to provide uninterrupted supply.
The chief minister today inaugurated five power sub-stations in the twin districts of Imphal West and Imphal East. The inauguration marked the first step towards achieving the target.
“The government is fully aware of the problems faced by the people because of the erratic power supply and the government is not remaining idle. We are targeting to achieve the goal of providing uninterrupted power supply in coming years,” Ibobi Singh told during a function at Kongba of Imphal East where one of the power sub-stations is located.
The power situation improved after Ibobi Singh himself assumed charge of the power department when his third term began earlier this year.
However, the government is still finding it difficult to increase the duration of power supply.
Before Ibobi Singh took charge, there were only two to three hours of power supply daily. Now, the government was providing five to six hours daily.
The situation can improve after the state government introduced the system of pre-paid power connection in Imphal city.
The state government plans to extend the system beyond Imphal city as well.
Stating that non-payment of bills by consumers compounded the problem for the power department, the chief minister urged the people to clear bills regularly to support the government’s effort to ase the situation.
Ibobi Singh said apart from buying more power from outside, the government was also planning to generate power within the state.
Power commissioner Rajesh Agarwal said in three decades’ time, Manipur could have adequate power for regular supply to the consumers.
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