Arunachal Deputy CM reviews Power Dept activities, unveils Rs 2,000 Cr revamp plan
East
Itanagar, June 11 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Power, Chowna Mein, conducted a comprehensive review of the Power Department's activities at the DK Convention Centre here on Wednesday.
Highlighting the department's progress since its separation from CPWD in 1992, Mein emphasized the urgent need for its restructuring to meet the growing power demand driven by rapid population growth.
He underscored the importance of strengthening the transmission system, upgrading distribution infrastructure, and bridging existing gaps under ongoing schemes, including the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
Announcing a major initiative, Mein said the government will implement the Chief Minister's Comprehensive State Power Development Program with a budgetary outlay of Rs 2,000 crore over four years. The programme aims to develop a robust sub-transmission and distribution network in urban and high-density areas, and extend electricity to newly created districts and remote habitations still lacking access.
He also stressed integrating Mini Hydro Electric Plants into the main grid, reducing AT&C losses below 15%, and improving urban power reliability through prepaid smart metering and infrastructure modernization.
Safety of ground staff was also a key focus, with Mein directing the department to frame safety guidelines for linemen and electricians.
Responding to departmental concerns, the Deputy CM urged officials to prepare a restructured proposal for Cabinet approval and announced that each division would be provided with a utility vehicle.
Discussions during the meeting also covered APEDA activities such as rooftop solar panels and micro-hydel projects, service connection issues for industrial consumers, and digital initiatives to enhance online billing, recharge systems, and public communication.
Among those present in the meeting were Secretary (Power) R K Sharma, Advisor to Deputy CM, Captain Anupam Tangu, Chief Engineer (Transmission) T K Tara, Chief Engineer (Central Zone) Ginko Lingi, Chief Engineer (Commercial) Duyu Taso, APEDA Director Marbom Bam, Deputy CM's OSD Tseng Tsing Mein, Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers. UNI TD GNK SSP
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