Eight Arunachal districts likely to face power crisis

Itanagar, Aug 3: Heavy landslides triggered by incessant rains in Arunachal Pradesh have damaged Ranganadi-Ziro transmission line at tower no 12. which is likely to cause power shortage in eight districts.

Ziro-based Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) Chief Manager Nani Kojin said that the likely shutdown of the 132 kv transmission line could be for at least 15 days from the date of notice, to be issued shortly.

The districts likely to be affected are Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansisri, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, East Siang, West Siang, Upper Siang and some parts of Papum Pare.

During the shutdown period, all feeder districts would have to make alternative power arrangements from their own ends, he said.

The districts may face power supply problem without any intimation in the event of casualty like collapse of the transmission tower due to unpredictable bad weather condition despite best effort being made by the agency to shift the tower, he said.

Tower no 12 located at Hoj-Potin area of 132kv Ranganadi-Ziro transmission line is in a vulnerable condition since long due to the road widening activities carried out by PWD (Highway) for the construction of Trans Arunachal-Highway.

Meanwhile, restoration work is going on in war footing for immediate shifting of the tower to safer location and to avoid power interruption to the eight districts.

The Power Grid has sought the cooperation of the people and administration to bear the inconveniences and provide all necessary administrative support in case of any emergency needs.

PTI