Visitors at the recently national exposition at Chandmari

Jan. 4: The Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) has chalked out a plan to augment power supply to the Assam Engineering Institute playground, which has become a popular venue for holding high-profile fairs after the government imposed a ban on organising similar events at Judges Field.

Following the government ban, most of the events, earlier organised at Judges Field, are now being held at the institute’s playground at Chandmari. However, inadequate power supply has become a major cause of concern for the organisers.

A trade exposition that was held a few months back had to depend mostly on generators, as the 200-KV transformer that is currently being used in the area, failed to meet the power requirement.

Even the Assam Publication Board, the organisers of the ongoing 20th Guwahati Book Fair being held at the playground, are using generators to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Altogether 175 stalls have been set up at the book fair by 119 booksellers and publishers.

ASEB chairman Subhash Das said they are exploring various ways to augment power supply to the playground. One of the options involves the installation of a high-capacity transformer.

“We are aware of the situation and are working out ways to resolve the crisis. As a temporary measure, we will install an additional transformer. But as a long-term solution, we are considering installing of a high-capacity, 500-KV transformer to meet the additional power requirement,” Das said.

After the Guwahati Book Fair gets over on January 8, two more events ? a trade exposition organised by the North East Chamber of Commerce and Industries and the 13th International Guwahati Trade Fair 2006 ? will be held at the same venue.

The power requirement for the trade fair will be very high, as the event will be organised on a big scale.

Thailand has agreed to become the partner country for the fair. Malaysia, Turkey, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Vietnam and Singapore will also participate in the fair. The organisers have already moved the ASEB with a request to improve the power situation.

The trade fair will be held from February 20 to March 4.