Incessant power supply progrmme for major tourist places in Assam

Assam government envisages 24×7 power supply to seven tourist spots in the State and sanctioned a sum of Rs 30 crore for the project. However, due to non-release of funds the scheme is yet to be started.

Sualkuchi Weaver Village Entrance

Under the project the State Power Department was to ensure incessant power supply to tourist hotspots, such as Kaziranga, Kamakhya, Sualkuchi, Tezpur, Manash, Pobitora and Majuli. The scheme aims at building good infrastructure, including uninterrupted power supply to the tourist spots.

The objective of the scheme is proposed to be achieved by selective investment to improve and augment the electrical power supply to these tourist spots by constructing dedicated feeders for 24×7 power supply. In addition to this, the project aims at enhancing system reliability and reduction of redundancy, thereby providing better consumer service.

Kaziranga National Park

According to officials of the APDCL (Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd), a budget provision of Rs 30 crore has been sanctioned for the scheme under Annual Plan (State Owned Priority Development – SOPD) 2017-18.

“However, we are doing some sort of power infrastructure work at Kamakhya with funds from other sources. Except Majuli, we have already prepared and submitted the DPRs (detailed project reports) of the other six spots, especially for making 24 hour assured power supply a reality, besides alternative power supply facilities,” said an official.

Kamakhya Temple

Other than Kamakhya and Tezpur, most of the spots coming under the scheme are in flood-affected areas. “Implementation of such a scheme could have ensured round-the-clock power supply to the spots. Matters like special cables with relatively higher lines were thought of for the scheme, besides change in positions of transformers. If we get the funds even now, we can go ahead with the scheme. We’re ready for that,” added the official.

As the tourism season has already begun, all the stakeholders are looking forward for the release the fund for the commencement of the scheme.