Plans afoot for hydel power project
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 23 2021:
With a view to make up the State's power shortage, a plan has been initiated to set up a hydel power project either on Maklang River or Taretlok River in Kamjong district.
Notably, five rivers flow through Kamjong district and they drain into neighbouring Myanmar while the State is unable to tap any of the benefits offered by the rivers.
Of the five rivers, Maklang River and Taretlok River have been identified as having huge potential.
Considering their potential, Hill Areas Committee Chairman and Phungyar AC MLA K Leishiyo has taken up initiatives to set up a hydel power project on either of the two rivers.
Together with the Kamjong Deputy Commissioner, the Kasom Khullen SDO, NHPC (Loktak Downstream Hydropower Company) Chief Executive Officer Satya Narayan, other officials and ADC Members, Leishiyo went to Taretlok River and Maklang River yesterday and inspected sites where a hydel power project can be established.
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Speaking to media persons during the trip, Leishiyo said that all the five rivers which flow through Kamjong district have immense potential.
Of the five rivers, the State has already tapped the potential of two rivers by way of constructing Mapithel Dam.
But the State is still unable to tap the potential of the other three rivers, said the HAC Chairman.
He said that the water of these rivers can be used for domestic consumption, irrigation and power generation.
Considering the water volumes and topographical conditions of theses rivers, it would be quite convenient to set up hydel power projects, he asserted.
Apart from power generation, these rivers can be tapped for irrigating terraced fields which would go a long way in dissuading local farmers from jhum cultivation, Leishiyo said.
He said that they were making a field assessment so as to draft a feasibility report.
The State Government has been working to send a proposal after drafting a feasibility report, he said.
NHPC (Loktak Downstream Power Company) Chief Executive Officer Satya Narayan said that they would send a report after making a field assessment on the feasibility of setting up a hydel power project in the area.
For setting up a hydel power project, it is essential to first determine the topography of the project site, the volume of water and rock conditions, Satya Narayan said.
He added that NHPC experts would first study the area and the feasibility of setting up a hydel power project.