Mokokchung power crises due to non-release of funds

MOKOKCHUNG, AUGUST 22 : The root cause of the recent breakdown of power transformers and the frequent shutdowns in Mokokchung district is attributed to non-maintenance due to shortage of funds in the concerned department in the district.

An enquiry by Eastern Mirror found out that there is a recurrent problem of faulty and non-functioning protective gears especially circuit breakers of Power Transformers under Mokokchung Electrical Division which cater to two subdivisions namely Mokokchung and Longnak.

Circuit breakers automatically stop the flow of current in an electric circuit as a safety measure and protect the transformers from overloading and short circuits.
The data from the department which was made available showed that out of nine power transformers under Mokokchung and Longnak sub-divisions only one circuit breaker of Mokokchung P/H 5.0 MVA was functional and the other 5.0 MVA is under repair.

Circuit breakers at Longnak, Watiyim and Mangkolemba are non-functional whereas in Longchem, Sabangya, Alichen and Longsa it is not even installed.

Reliable sources informed that during 2012 and 2014 minor repairing for protective gears were initiated by the department but due to funds constrain it could not be maintained over the years.

Such technical failures of the protective gears and other factors had led Mokokchung town and the adjoining villages to face two major power crises recently.

Sources also disclosed that non-functioning of the automatic protective gears and other technical factors had contributed stress on the 5 MVA power transformers at Mokokchung Power House which led to its break down. Source also added that the substations mainly depended on manual protective gears that are not efficient like the automatic protective gears.

Due to the breakdown of 5 MVA power transformers, many localities in the town and adjoining villages hardly get two hours of power supply for the last thirty days plus. The present intermittent power supply is being scheduled from one existing 5 MVA transformer.

Executive Engineer of Mokokchung Electrical Division, N Mozhui, informed that the 5 MVA power transformer, which is currently under repair in Dimapur store is expected by next week if the technical testing is successful. Sources also added that the department had engaged a private company to fix the protective gears in the substations. It has to be noted that Mokokchung have suffered two major power crises in a row. Apex organisations including All Ward Union Mokokchung Town, Ao Kaketshir Mungdang, Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem and Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industries have also served notification to the department to urgently restore the normal supply of power.