Acting East with power needs
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: March 14, 2015 -

One key need emphasized and re-emphasised for accelerating the pace of development around the world has been connectivity.

However, developing communication and connectivity can only be brought to fruition if potential energy and power in the identified areas are simultaneously tapped.

It is under such dictum that Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi has sought co-operation of the Centre to tap potential in power sector in the State as part of India’s Act East Policy for building connectivity between India and ASEAN at the seventh edition of Delhi Dialogue.

Pointing towards the considerable hydro power potential that State can offer, the Chief Minister said a dozen hydro power potential sites have been identified in Manipur.

He said that the total potential so far assessed is 1784 MW as against which only 105 MW has been harnessed and sought support in making the potential a reality.

Ibobi has also referred to Manipur Government’s engagement with Myanmar for supply of 2-3 MW of power which he feels would further enhance good trading relations with the neighbouring country.

Lending support to the Act East Policy of the Narendra Modi led Government, the Chief Minister also underscored the need for employment generation and promotion of enterprises in different sectors. He has also anticipated growth in trade and economic exchange if both connectivity and power sector are put in place.

With such enthusiasm exhibited on the future course of development of the Northeast region initiated by the Government of India, the role to be played by the States of the region should not be left to just seeking help on developing sectors that would benefit the people.

The States in the region should also be able to chart their own course.

This becomes even more important as all planning should take into consideration the prolonged socio-political turmoil some of the States have experienced over the years.

Without addressing the social and political hiccups, any measures initiated for development would lead to compounding the existent situation for a region frequented by bomb blast and bandhs.