Is there an undeclared load shedding in Imphal?

Electricity is the lifeblood of modern life, powering homes, businesses, and essential services. In Imphal, however, the reliability of this crucial utility is increasingly under scrutiny as residents grapple with unscheduled load shedding. This recurrent issue, occurring frequently from late afternoon to the end of office hours around 5 PM, and sometimes extending from midnight to early morning, raises pressing questions about the state of the city’s power management.
Load shedding, the deliberate shutdown of electric power in parts of a system to prevent the failure of the entire system, is typically announced in advance. This allows residents and businesses to prepare for disruptions. In Imphal, however, the lack of communication regarding these outages is a significant concern. The unpredictable nature of these power cuts disrupts daily routines, hampers productivity, and affects the overall quality of life.
The timing of these outages—when most people are not expected to be at home or are in deep sleep—raises suspicions. Is there an undeclared load shedding? Are these outages a result of genuine technical issues, or is there a deeper, more troubling explanation? The suspicion is not unfounded, especially considering past instances of corruption within the electricity department. There have been cases where individuals within the department were caught selling electricity illegally. Could this pattern of corruption be resurfacing, manifesting in the form of unscheduled load shedding?
The impact of these power cuts on businesses is significant. During office hours, commercial activities come to a standstill, leading to substantial financial losses. For small businesses and startups, which form the backbone of Imphal’s economy, these disruptions can be particularly troubling. The authorities must recognize the economic repercussions of unscheduled load shedding and take steps to mitigate them. Ensuring a stable power supply is crucial for the economic development of the state. The government and relevant authorities must take immediate steps to examine the root causes of these power outages.
Since the introduction of the prepaid system and the proper functioning of the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) and the Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL), the electricity situation in Manipur has improved significantly. The prepaid system has helped in managing electricity consumption more efficiently, reducing wastage, and ensuring timely payments. MSPDCL and MSPCL have played crucial roles in enhancing the infrastructure and streamlining operations, contributing to a more reliable power supply.
So, the question arises: Why is there a suspicion of undeclared load shedding among many residents of Imphal? Imphal’s residents deserve a reliable and transparent electricity supply. The government must take urgent and decisive action to ensure that the shadow of unscheduled load shedding is lifted and the integrity of the city’s power supply is restored. Only then can the true potential of Imphal’s economic and social life be realized.