Shri Chaitanya Awasthi, IAS, SDO (C), Patharkhmah, conducted an inspection of ongoing electricity infrastructure works in the presence of Shri Rajib Datta, SE, Ri-Bhoi, MeECL, representatives of Star Group, departmental officials, and village headmen along with several executive committee members.

The inspection covered the new electricity line to Patharkhmah via Ladpnar Rim (Mairang route), designed as an alternative to the existing 11 kV line from Nongpoh/20th Mile plagued by severe faults and cumbersome routes via the jungle. The team also reviewed progress of pole erection, fabrication, and stringing works from 20th Mile to Patharkhmah via Lailad, Umsong, and Umrit, part of a major overhaul and upgradation to 33 kV HT lining up to Patharkhmah along with other infrastructure upgrades.

The SDO (C) reported that 90% of poles on the Mairang route have been erected, with remaining work to be completed by next week, followed by fabrication and stringing. The alternative route is expected to be operational by end of May. The SE affirmed that 20th Mile route works will subsequently be pursued with full vigour.

Shri Petal Thangkiew, Headman of Patharkhmah, noted marked improvement in recent electricity supply, including reduced outages, faster rectification times, and enhanced stability even during harsh weathers. Sh. Thangkiew recalled that not so long ago there were times when Patharkhmah could not get electricity for weeks in a row, and outages spanned across hours each day. While noting that situation has changed a lot for Patharkhmah, a lot needs to be yet done ahead.

The SDO (C) acknowledged the guidance of Shri Sanjay Goyal, IAS, CMD, MeECL, stating that implementation of CMD’s directives of “Daily Monitoring and Reporting of Outages” and “Digital Progress Report Sheets” has yielded tangible benefits for residents in form of improved electricity. He appealed to Dorbars and traditional authorities to discourage illegal hooking and electricity theft, emphasizing that stable electricity supply will enable forthcoming development projects including the Mini Secretariat and other big initiatives planned for Patharkhmah.