Gelnal power project await official inauguration even after 20 yrs
Power supply lights up Twiliang area
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, October 05 2015: The Gelnal Hydro Electric Project along Imphal-Tamenglong road in Twilang area, Sadar Hills started functioning again a few days back after it was revived after 20 years.

The Hydro Electric Project which had been set up in 1981-82 started supplying power to the Twilang people from 1992 .

However, the proposal of the then Chief Minister Rishang Keishing to inaugurate the 400 KV Gelnal Hydro Electric Project in October 1993 was regrettably kept in cold storage after the ethnic attacks on the Kukis by the NSCN (IM) the same year.

It has been alleged that on September 13, 1993 Gelnal village came under the attack of NSCN (IM) cadres in which 17 people were killed and 12 sustained severe injuries while more than 76 houses were burnt down.

The power supply project

Since then, the project and its functioning had been completely ignored by successive Governments.

However, with much concern, MANIREDA initiated measures to revive the Hydro Electric Project in Gelnal for the welfare of the people.

With the enthusiastic efforts taken up by MANIREDA and the department concerned as well as the people the project has been revived and started functioning again after more than 20 years by generating satisfactory power in the area on September 28 this year.

Delighted with the revival and functioning of the Hydro Electric Project, chief of Gelnal village Thangsat Khongsai organized a thanksgiving cum blessing function on October 4, 2015 at the power house.

The function was attended by Benjamin Lalneisang Saiate, DGM Kangpokpi Division, Gelnal VA members, Church leaders and other social leaders of the area.

"The people of Twilang are once again experiencing the convenience of existing with power supply after more than 20 years", an elated chief of Gelnal village said while adding "it looks as if we are living in wonderland when we started enjoying the power generated by the project" .

He continued that Twilang area (IT Road) has long suffered the negligence of the State Government forcing the people to live in the dark for so many years.

With the development and revival of the Hydro Electric Project, the people of Twilang area would like to sustain the developmental work, the chief added.

He also urged the State Government and the department concerned to officially inaugurate the Gelnal Hydro Electric Project which was recently revived so as to ensure adequate power supply.

The Gelnal chief also appealed to the public to extend cooperation and support towards the initiatives of the Government and the department concerned meant for the welfare of the people in the coming days.