Power crisis looms: Residents of Pangi urge govt to ramp up supply
With power blackouts becoming frequent even before the onset of winters, residents of Pangi valley have asked the government to upgrade the power supply system in the tribal valley, which remains isolated during the upcoming snow season.
When the winter starts, the power supply in the valley is severely affected, causing the locals to struggle with their daily tasks.
Pangwal Ekta Manch, a tribal community forum, has called on the local administration to address the issue with the state government, urging them to find a lasting solution to the problem.
Trilok Thakur, the chairman of the forum, said earlier this year, work was scheduled to begin on three solar power plants — a 1-MW plant at Dhanwas and two smaller plants of 500 kW at Hilaur and Dharwas, which could have partially alleviated the issue in the upcoming winter.
However, no civil works have commenced at ground zero. With the working season set to end by October 15, it appears unlikely that any progress will be made this year, he said.
“Repair and augmentation estimate for mini and micro power plants in Sural, Killar, Sach and Purthi were sent by the local electricity board to Shimla for approval. Unfortunately, no budget allocations have been made so far,” said Thakur.
Gravity of the power supply situation in the valley can be gauged from the fact that out of the total installed capacity of 1,400 kW, the four mini-micro power projects in the valley are only producing 650 kW. The projects, located at Sural (100 kW), Killar (300 kW), Sach (900 kW) and Pruthi (100 kW), serve a population of 25,000 in Pangi.
The Sural project has two turbines, but one is non-functional. Similarly, the Killar project has two turbines and, Sach and Pruthi have one turbine each that are also out of order.
Shortfall of 750 kW results in frequent power outages throughout the valley, causing significant hardships to the residents.
The situation is further aggravated by bureaucratic delays in approving funds for essential upgrades and maintenance. In 2023, despite submitting detailed estimates totalling Rs 7 crore for improving machinery, equipment, tools, plants (METP) and civil infrastructure, the funds have not yet been released. Thakur criticised the ongoing administrative delays, which continue to hinder efforts to enhance power generation and reduce losses.
Further complicating the situation is the stalled progress of proposed solar power projects under the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP). These include a 400-kW project each at Hillour and Dharwas and a 1-MW project at Karyas. Despite various announcements over the years, these projects remain bogged down by red tape, worsening the region's energy crisis.
Pangi, sandwiched between the Pir-Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges of Himalayas, is entirely without grid power, leaving its 25,000 residents, across 55 revenue villages, dependent on unreliable electricity.
This situation not only degrades the residents' quality of life, but also hampers socio-economic development, perpetuating conditions that contrast sharply with the modern amenities available in other parts of the state.
On a positive note, Thakur said, an 11-kVA power line is being laid from Tindi to Shour at a cost of Rs 2.84 crore. However, the project is expected to take 18 months to complete.
He appealed to the entire community to join forces on this pressing issue, urging them to apply pressure on the government and administration to begin these essential projects without delay.
Turbines out of order
- The projects, located at Sural (100 kW), Killar (300 kW), Sach (900 kW) and Pruthi (100 kW), serve a population of 25,000 in Pangi
- The Sural project has two turbines, but one is non-functional. Similarly, the Killar project has two turbines and, Sach and Pruthi have one turbine each that are also out of order
- With only 650 kW being produced, shortfall of 750 kW results in frequent power outages throughout the valley, causing significant hardships to residents
- The situation is further aggravated by bureaucratic delays in approving funds for essential upgrades and maintenance
