As part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ – to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence, The Ministry of Power in association with Power System operation Corporation Limited and MePDCL organized a ‘Bijli Mahotsav’ in Pynursla, East Khasi Hills district on 26th July 2022. Shri Ryngkatlang Lyndem, MDC Langkyrdem-Laitkroh graced the programme as Chief Guest.
Bijli Mahotsav was used as a platform to celebrate the collaboration between the state and the Central Governments and highlight the key achievements of the power sector. Some of the key highlights have been –
a. Increase in generation capacity from 2,48,554 MW in 2014 to 4,00,000 MW today which is 1,85,000 MW more than our demand.
b. India is exporting electricity to its neighboring countries now
c. 1,63,000 ckm of transmission lines added, connecting the entire country into one grid running on one frequency. From Ladakh to Kanyakumari and from Kutch to Myanmar border it has emerged as the largest integrated grid in the world
d. It can transmit 1,12,000 MW of electricity from one corner of the country to the other using this grid
e. It is committed in COP21 that by 2030 40% of our generation capacity would be from Renewable Energy sources. This target has been achieved by November 2021, 9 years ahead of schedule.
f. Today it is generating 1,63,000 MW through Renewable Energy sources.
g. Renewable Energy capacity is being installed at the fastest pace in the world.
h. With a total outlay of Rs.2,01,722 Crore the distribution infrastructure has been strengthened in past five years by – making 2,921 new sub-stations, augmentation of 3,926 sub-stations, installing 6,04,465 ckm LT lines, installing 2,68,838 11 KV HT lines, Feeder segregation of 1,22,123 ckm agricultural feeders and installing
i. In 2015 the average hours of supply in Rural areas was 12.5 Hrs which has now increased to an average 22.5 Hrs
j. The government has introduced Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 under which-
i. The maximum time limit for getting a new connection has been notified
ii. Consumers can now become prosumer by adopting roof top solar
iii. Timely billing will be ensured
iv. Timelines notified for addressing the meter related complaints
v. The state regulatory authority will notify timelines for other services
vi. DISCOMs will set up 24X7 call centers to address to consumer complaints
k. Achieved 100% village electrification (18,374) in 2018 in 987 days
l. Achieved 100% household electrification (2.86 Cr) in 18 months. Identified as the world’s largest electrification drive.
m. Scheme introduced for adoption of solar pumps under which – central government will give 30% subsidy and state government will give 30% subsidy. In addition, 30% loan facility will be available.
It may be mentioned that Bijli Mahotsavs are being celebrated all over the country under the umbrella of Ujjwal Bharat Ujjwal Bhavishya – Power @2047 for more public participation and getting across the developments in the power sector to the citizens at large. To engage with the visitors and guests, various cultural programmes, nukkad nataks and screening of short films on the power sector were organized.
The programme was also attended by Pynursla C&RD BDO, Shri G. Warjri, District Nodal Officer and Senior GM (HR), NERLDC, POSOCO, Shri V F Desouza among others.