Shillong: Meghalaya is drying up. The state recorded a 74 percent rainfall deficit between June 1 and July 1, the worst in the Northeast. India Meteorological Department data shows only 192.9 mm of rain fell against a normal average of 750.8 mm. Despite the parched hills, the lights will stay on.
State officials confirmed no power cuts are coming. MeECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Sanjay Goyal noted the agency planned for this dry spell by securing long-term thermal power and adding daytime solar capacity to the grid. “MeECL is preparing itself for all rainfall scenarios, and no power shortage is expected in the coming days,” Goyal said.
The lack of rain hit the state’s hydroelectric plants hard. The Umiam project fell short of production goals in June, while the 126 MW Myntdu-Leshka project is running at 70 to 80 percent capacity. Average power generation across the state currently sits between 180 and 200 MW. Officials remain confident they can keep up with demand.
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