Shillong, Feb 4: Several areas in Shillong, including Umpling and Lapalang, are facing unannounced power shutdowns, drawing widespread criticism from the public on social media. Responding to the backlash, Power Minister A.T. Mondal defended the shutdowns, stating, “This is for the benefit of the consumers only, for the benefit of better power supply, for the benefit of augmentation of more transformers in the areas, for changing of HT and LT poles, and also changing of conductors. So, ultimately, it will help in the future.”
Mondal further explained that the ongoing work falls under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), necessitating shutdowns along key routes. “We have taken RDSS work, and because of that, shutdown has been implemented on that route. Works were carried out in Umpling-Dongshaneng, LT transformer from Umpling to Laitmawsiang (500 KVA),” he said.
Detailing the scope of the project, the minister added, “There are several such works, like the 7/1/25 direction of HD poles for Umpling-Dongshaneng, which require shutdowns from 17:00 hours to 15:00 hours. We are undertaking renovation and augmentation work under RDSS, replacing poles, installing new HT lines, and setting up transformers. For this, shutdowns are necessary.”
Acknowledging public grievances, Mondal assured that measures were being taken to minimize disruptions. “We have enhanced manpower in response to complaints. We have cut the stretches into shorter sections to reduce both the frequency and extent of shutdowns. This is for the improvement of the power scenario in the locality.”
He also warned that other areas would face similar shutdowns as the work progresses across the state. “In some places, we are installing ABC cables—bundled cobalt wires—which is causing temporary issues. The work is ongoing throughout the state and will take time to complete,” he said.
Dismissing speculation about scheduled power cuts, Mondal clarified, “As of now, there are no scheduled power cuts or load-shedding, but shutdowns are necessary. This is the only season we can carry out the work—once the monsoon arrives, it will not be possible.”