Meghalaya CM Sangma restored electricity to Pahamjula village after 18 years of darkness. His “CM Connect” visit brought immediate relief, repaired a damaged transformer, and renewed hopes for rural development in Ri-Bhoi district.
Pahamjula, a small village nestled in the Jirang constituency of Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, has finally seen the light—literally—after 18 long years without electricity. On Thursday, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma visited the village as part of his “CM Connect” initiative and termed the prolonged absence of electricity “unacceptable.”
Home to 77 households, Pahamjula had been living in complete darkness since 2007 after a transformer burst and was never repaired. Local residents, under the leadership of Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun, recently appealed to the Chief Minister to intervene. Responding swiftly, Sangma visited the village, acknowledging the years of neglect and promising corrective measures.
“This kind of neglect is unacceptable. It will be our responsibility to always listen to and resolve the concerns of our people,” said CM Sangma during his visit.
Thanks to the Chief Minister’s intervention, the transformer was repaired and electricity was restored within just three days. Villagers, overwhelmed with emotion, welcomed Sangma with open arms. Many described the moment as being “pulled out of hell,” highlighting the severe impact of 18 years without basic amenities.
The visit was part of the broader “CM Connect” Impact visit, a government initiative aimed at bridging the gap between rural communities and the administration by addressing long-standing issues in remote locations.
“It is a small but meaningful and happy moment for me to be here with the people of Pahamjula village in Jirang constituency,” said Sangma. “I feel a different sense of satisfaction in being able to share their concerns and this moment of joy with them after they have waited for 18 years.”
MLA Sosthenes Sohtun also expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Chief Minister’s proactive approach. He praised recent developments in the constituency, including the construction of the NEC road connecting Nine Mile to Umsan, which has significantly reduced travel time. However, he emphasized the urgent need for continued focus on electrification and road connectivity in other unconnected villages.
Adding a unique touch to the “CM Connect” initiative, Sangma suggested that food during such visits be prepared by villagers themselves using local produce—further deepening the government’s connection with grassroots communities.
This impactful visit stands as a powerful example of how responsive governance and community engagement can transform lives—one village at a time.
