Assam protests against severe power crisis

AASU launched a state-wide protest at all district and sub-divisional headquarters against frequent and prolonged power cuts.

Reports of ransacking of offices of the Assam State Electricity Board came from Barpeta, Nalbari and other areas, official sources said.

Since May 2, Assam has been hit by severe power crisis, with most towns remaining without electricity for about 15 hours a day following reduced generation of hydel and thermal power and damage of two towers in West Bengal by a storm.

The restoration of the 400-KV Binaguri-Bongaigaon circuit was expected to be restored by May 15, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) said in a release.

The state is facing a shortage of 450 MW with the peak load hours' demand being 1100 MW as against the available 490 MW, sources in the Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd said.

The power generating stations were also hit due to shortage of gas supply for the thermal stations and less availability of water for the hydel stations, sources said.

Frequent power cuts throughout the state has severely affected trade, industrial sectors and the common people with the onset of summer months.

Though the situation would slightly improve after restoration of the circuit, the sources said, the gap between demand and supply would remain till the state received adequate rainfall.