Loktak Downstream project likely to be further delayed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 06 2014:
As many official processes are yet to be completed on the part of the Government of Manipur, construction work of Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Project is likely to be delayed further more.
The project should be executed by the Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Corporation Limited which was set up by the State Government and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) on October 23, 2009 .
As calculated in 2006, the estimated cost of the project is Rs 867.77 crore and its installed capacity
is 66 MW.
As per the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Manipur and NHPC, the latter is to produce 74 per cent of the project cost while the State Government should bear the remaining 26 per cent.
In addition to 26 per cent of the project cost, the State Government should pay for security deployment, construction of approach roads, afforestation, treatment of catchment areas and land compensation.
Meanwhile, it is reported that four different companies are likely to submit tender bids for the project.
The four companies are Simplex Company, AFCON Company, PATEL Company and LMT Company.
Of the four companies, representatives of the first three companies inspected the project site in the first week of September.
After spot assessment of the project site, the three companies evinced keen interest to take up the project.
However, the companies laid down certain conditions regarding construction of approach roads, forest clearance and some other matters, conveyed a source.
However, many official processes/works which the Government of Manipur should complete as per the MoU signed with NHPC remain incomplete till date.
At the same time, the State Government has to invest around Rs 25 crore for afforestation, treatment of catchment areas and payment of land compensation.
The State Government should deposit this amount with the Ministry of Forest and Environment, Government of India.
The Ministry would give the necessary forest and environmental clearance only after the said amount has been deposited.
The State Government's failure to deposit the amount is another factor for further delaying the project.
Notably, many are expecting a substantial improvement in the State's power situation once the Loktak Downstream Project is commissioned as power generated from the project would be fully entitled to the State Government.