MANIREDA illuminates Senjan village in Senapati district
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 21, 2012:
S Senjang, a village in Senapati district situated at a distance of just 40 km from Imphal along the NH 37 today got illuminated after 20 years of darkness, thanks to MANIREDA and its Hydel Power Project.
Speaking about the project, Junior Scientist of Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA) told Hueiyen Lanpao that the agency has been studying the Iru Lok (stream) since 1999 to find out the possibility of generating enough electricity to light up the surrounding villages.
After the Theodolite Survey, Guwahati IIT Scientist Anup Kumar Sharma had said that the stream would be able to produce as much as 250 KW.
A Detailed Project Report was then prepared.
Unfortunately, the water level decreased dramatically which prevented the project from taking off.
A new project for 40 KW was prepared but it too got suspended as the water level continued to decrease further.
Experts from Kolkata were called and conducted a new survey in 2009 and the experts were of the opinion that the then condition of the stream would be able to produce 20 KW of electricity.
They also said that only 5 KW of electricity will be enough to lit up the small village of some 40 households.
With the advice of the experts, the project was executed from July last year.
Unfortunately, the economic blockades on the national highways further delayed the completion of the project.
Director of MANIREDA L Manglem said that the possile reason of the decrease in water level could be mass deforestation above the powerhouse.
If the condition continues, the power house might not be able to produce any power in the next 10 years.
In order to keep the the power house running, villagers should plant new plants in the surrounding areas.
The project was constructed at a total cost of Rs 30 lakhs.
A Village Energy Committee was formed and two of its members were trained to handle the machine.
While the committee will look after the machine, MANIREDA will take the responsibility to repair the machine.
He further said that Hydel power plant is the most inexpensive t among the power plants taken up by MANIREDA.
It is also the most reliable and long lasting one as compared to Solar and Wind Energy plants since they depend on battery and air movement.
Commissioner, Arts and Culture Dr RK Nimai graced the inaugural function as Chief Guest.
Chief of the village Hentish Kipgen and Secretary Haopu also attended the function as presidium members.