Assam Tourism: 24x7 power supply to tourist spots goes awry

GUWAHATI: For the development of the tourism industry in Assam, a sum of Rs 30 crore has been sanctioned for 24x7 power supply to seven tourist spots in the State. However, due to non-release of funds the scheme cannot be started.

Under the scheme the State Power Department was to ensure uninterrupted power supply to Kaziranga, Kamakhya, Suwalkuchi, Tezpur, Manash, Pobitora and Majuli. The scheme aims at building good infrastructure, including uninterrupted power supply to the seven places of tourist attractions. The objective of the scheme, according to the department, 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 24x7 power supply. In addition to this, the project aims at enhancing system reliability and redundancy, thereby providing better consumer service.

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. Despite issuance of financial sanction, the fund has not been released as yet, the officials said. “However, we’re doing some sort of power infrastructure work at Kamakhya with funds from other sources. Barring Majuli, we’ve 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. Barring Kamakhya and Tezpur, most of the spots taken under the scheme are in flood-affected areas. Implementation of such a scheme could’ve 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,” one of the officials said.

With the tourism season already started, hopefully the government will release the fund for the scheme.

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