GUWAHATI: Meghalaya's Umiam water reservoir, also known as the Umiam Dam, is facing a severe crisis as its water levels continue declining due to delayed monsoon rains. This reservoir is considered one of the state's most significant hydroelectric power projects. The decreasing water levels have had a detrimental impact on power generation.
Addressing the issue to the media, Meghalaya, the minister in charge of Power AT Mondal, said that the water level in the Umiam reservoir had reached a historic low, standing at 3165 ft.
Terming this decline as "extremely concerning", the minister said there is a permissible limit for the water level required to operate the power units, and if the level continues to drop by another foot, "the Umiam hydel project will need to be shut down".
It may be mentioned here that the Meghalaya government has implemented load-shedding measures because of this water shortage.
As per media reports, Tura and Shillong are presently experiencing 8 hours of power cuts daily, while other parts of the state are enduring 10 hours of power cuts.
Meanwhile, the minister assured the public that normalcy will return after the rainy season.
To address the crisis, the Power Minister, along with experts from IIT Guwahati, conducted an inspection of the Umiam Dam on Tuesday.
Mondal emphasised that the state government is actively working to find a solution and is exploring all necessary options to minimise power cuts.
Mondal also discussed the challenges in implementing long-term measures, explaining that establishing new power projects takes time.
He highlighted the need to consider different types of projects, such as hydel, thermal, or alternative energy sources, for medium-term solutions.
"The government is committed to resolving the power scarcity issue at the earliest by exploring various options and striving to find a permanent solution," the media reported quoting the minister.
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