Agartala: August 05: The state government is actively working on various multi-faceted programs to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to electricity consumers. Emphasis is also being placed on maintaining quality in the implementation of various central and state government projects. Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha highlighted these efforts during a review meeting of the Power Department held in the Secretariat.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress and success of various projects and stressed the importance of implementing all central government projects aimed at developing power services in the state. He emphasized the need to quickly replace old power transmission lines across the state.
The Chief Minister also called for raising awareness about the use of air conditioners (ACs) to maintain the necessary load balance in electrical transformers. He urged the department to educate people on the proper use of ACs and to focus on the regular repair and maintenance of electrical transformers.
Additionally, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of developing renewable energy sources. He suggested launching a special campaign to increase the use of solar energy and encouraged private and government buildings to adopt solar energy solutions. The department was also urged to be more proactive in collecting electricity bills, potentially by setting up collection camps in every district. Quick action should be taken to resolve calls received on the 1912 helpline regarding electricity-related issues.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath highlighted the need to make consumers aware of the importance of paying electricity bills on time. He also stressed the importance of identifying and taking action against those using electricity illegally.
Secretary of the Power Department, Abhishek Singh, provided an update on the department’s activities. He informed that the state currently has a power supply of 457 megawatts, with a demand of around 362 megawatts. The department is focusing on implementing various central projects to develop the state’s power infrastructure. A new 132 KV sub-station has been set up in Bishramganj under the NEC project and will be commissioned soon. Upgrades to the 132/33 KV sub-station at Bodhajongnagar are also underway under the Prime Minister’s Gati Shakti project, with an expenditure of Rs. 2 crore 43 lakhs.
Under the Special Financial Assistance Scheme of the State Government, work is ongoing to set up transmission lines from Suryamaninagar to Monarchar and from Suryamaninagar to Rukhia, with a total expenditure of Rs. 34 crore 73 lakhs. The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme is also being implemented, with projects to convert LT lines to AB cable lines, set up high voltage distribution systems, and install smart meters and pre-paid meters, at a cost of Rs. 802 crore. Additionally, a Rs. 1,155 crore project for the development of power infrastructure is being carried out with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank.
Other issues, such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan and TREDA, were also discussed during the review meeting. Chief Secretary J. K. Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Pradeep Kumar Chakraborty, Secretary of the Public Works Department Kiran Gitye, and Managing Director of Tripura State Electricity Corporation were present at the meeting.
