Theft cripples transmission lines as Kohima faces severe blackout

Kohima: Residents of Nagaland’s capital Kohima and several districts are facing possible blackouts due to frequent thefts of critical power transmission tower parts.
The latest incident took place on April 27, when tower number 16 of the 132 kV Wokha-Sanis transmission line collapsed near Riphyim Old area of ​​Wokha district.
An inspection by the electrical department revealed that essential nuts and bolts had been stolen, causing the fall to be deliberate.
This followed a similar theft on April 20, which disrupted power generation from the Likimro Hydroelectric Project (HEP).
Highlighting the critical role of the 132 kV line in supplying power from Doyang HEP and connecting it to the state grid, the DoP expressed serious concern.
He revealed that the line was only restored in 2016 after previous thefts and losses.
The collapse of Tower No. 16 has created a critical situation.
A fault in the Dimapur-Kohima-Karong transmission line could plunge parts of Kohima, Wokha (including its upper range and the central city), Tseminyu, and Manipur into total darkness.
Additionally, power supply will be significantly affected in the upper reaches of Wokha and Tseminyu, albeit with minor disruptions.
The department said it is working tirelessly to restore the collapsed towers.

They have lodged a complaint with the police and urged village councils, civil society organizations and the public to help nab the culprits.