Commissioning of MHPA, Unit-1

Inside UGPH Cavern 

The long-awaited milestone, the most revered one and the happiest news in the country comes with the tidings of MHEP commissioning. Local news forum and the social media news feeds were full of congratulatory note after the PMO (Prime ministers Office) shared a photo of the occasion, where he thanked the management and the team for the success. The occasion was formally graced by the chairman, Hon'ble Lynpo Loknath Sharma, Minister of MOEA and the Secretaries (Cabinet and MOEA). There were also some guests from the Indian Embassy and the Dzongkhag Officials from Trongsa. Out of 4 units, Unit-1 which has a rated capacity to generate 180MW of electricity was commissioned on 16.05.2019. 

Uninvited Guests form Dam Colony

The goal of every employee of MHPA is to see the spinning of the turbine and all have worked towards that goal. And now it's time to rejoice the success and the create a moment that shall be cherished forever. The occasion was so important for all the family of MHPA and it's this moment all were waiting for. I can feel the excitement and the state of being emotionally aroused when the time of commissioning is near the doorstep. Contrary to all the emotional attachments, the news "Few senior officials (20-25) from MHPA will participate in Zhugdrel Phuensum Tshogpa" was circulated. I was wondering (if) the senior officials meant 'Posts seniority' OR 'senior based on the nos. of years served' (I don't know). That made the eagerness to attend the program to zero which eventually has a repercussion of not attending. 

Inside Control Room

I, in my own way, thought of it. I believe that nearly all the employees (except some sr. officers) are new to the project and they never have seen nor attended the commissioning of this kind and never will they get an opportunity to witness it. I am with the stand that all deserve to attend it and feel the charm of the occasion. Unlike the numerous occasions celebrated viz; Dam Foundation ceremony, Day-Lighting ceremony (s) & River Diversion ceremony, this is the mega celebration (I should say). Nevertheless, we still have 3 more units to commission and I hope and pray that with the intention of cost-cutting, they won't cut the sentiments and the spirits of employees. 

With Acho Nado

Individually, I have also decided not to go as an uninvited guest. But I got lucky that Tashi sir and group has planned to attend it, which I came to know when sir informed me in the morning. I accompanied them to UGPH only to know that the program has been completed. The machines have run successfully generating 19.35MW of electricity. By the time we reached in front of the MAT, the guests were leaving to pothead yard. We waited for them to clear and headed inside to witness the spinning of the turbine. The turbine was still spinning without the given load which means it's not generating any current. We explored the control room with some seniors and made to explain. 

Langa sir (EE from GDPC) pleasantly says, "Let the civil engineers distort with electrical terms", while Acho Nado AEE, E&M) was explaining to us. 

We then headed to TRT where Karma sir and Tashi sir has asked for a Lunch form Jaypee Mess. That's when Tashi sir has a say, "MHEP commissioned; Lunch from JP and that too upon request ☺☺☺".