The Wokha Town Colony Council Union (WTCCU) has urged the Power Department to address persistent power supply issues in the district, opposed the proposed installation of prepaid smart meters, and sought special concessions for Wokha as the host district of the Doyang Hydroelectric Project.

In a representation addressed to the Engineer-in-Chief (Power), Government of Nagaland, through the proper channel, the Union raised three major concerns relating to electricity management and power infrastructure in the district.

The WTCCU expressed serious concern over the frequent power cuts affecting Wokha Town, stating that the frequent disruptions have caused immense hardship to residents and adversely impacted commercial establishments, entrepreneurs and small businesses that rely on uninterrupted electricity for their daily operations.

The Union appealed to the Power Department to take effective measures to improve the reliability and adequacy of power supply in Wokha District.

The Union also opposed the proposed introduction of prepaid smart power meters in Wokha Town.

While acknowledging the importance of technological advancement and efforts to improve efficiency in power management, WTCCU said that after extensive deliberations and consultations, it had unanimously resolved that it was not in a position to accept the prepaid smart metering system.

According to the Union, the prepaid mode could impose additional financial burdens and inconvenience on consumers. It therefore resolved that prepaid smart meters should not be installed in Wokha Town at present or in the immediate future.

Highlighting Wokha’s contribution to the state’s power sector, the Union pointed out that the Doyang Hydroelectric Project, located in Wokha District, is Nagaland’s most significant power generation project.

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Referring to the National Hydro Power Policy, 2008, the WTCCU noted that host states are entitled to receive 12 per cent free power from hydroelectric projects as royalty. It further stated that the policy also provides for an additional one per cent free power through the Local Area Development Fund (LADF) for the benefit of project-affected areas, ensuring that communities hosting hydroelectric projects continue to receive long-term benefits throughout the life of the project, rather than being confined to one-time compensations.

The Union maintained that Wokha, having contributed its land and resources while bearing the environmental and developmental impacts associated with the project, deserves special consideration from the Power Department.

“It is both reasonable and equitable that the residents of Wokha should receive tangible benefits from a project situated within the district,” the representation signed by N Samuel Ezung, President, WTCU and E Bichamo Shitiri, Secretary, WTCU stated.

Accordingly, the WTCCU urged the Power Department to examine the feasibility of extending concessions in electricity tariffs, ensuring adequate and reliable power supply, and prioritising power infrastructure upgradation in Wokha District.

The Union said such measures would be in keeping with the spirit and objectives of the National Hydro Power Policy, which seeks to ensure that communities hosting hydroelectric projects receive sustained benefits throughout the life of the project.

Reaffirming its commitment to constructive engagement, the WTCCU expressed confidence that the concerns and aspirations of the people of Wokha would receive due consideration and hoped for a positive response and appropriate action from the Power Department.