Agreement inked for four new power projects
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 28 2014: With a view to ameliorate the problem of power shortage in the State, the State Government and the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) have signed a pre-implementation agreement.

The agreement was signed this morning at Hotel Imphal by Classic between Joint Secretary (Power) Th Kirankumar and NEEPCO Chairman cum Managing Director PC Pankaj in front of Chief Minister O Ibobi.

Manipur State Power Company Limited Managing Director N Sarat and NEEPCO Director S Borgohain were also present at the occasion as witnesses.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi stated Manipur is generating only 105 MW of power even though Manipur is said to have power generation potential of 2000 MW.

Because of this gap in the actual power generation and power generation potential, the State has been facing acute shortage of power since many years back.

Even today, the bulk of the State's power supply comes from the State share allocated by the Central Government.

Signed documents being exchanged in front of Chief Minister O Ibobi

Taking serious note of these realities, the State Government took up this initiative of creating a reliable and vibrant hydro power sector.

Development of a State needs not only good transport infrastructure but also power.

If the planned power projects can be executed successfully, it can effectively cater to the power demands of the State in addition to providing jobs to many unemployed youth.

With a view to facilitate implementation of power projects which can generate more than 5 MW through public and private sectors, the Government formulated the State Hydro Power Policy in 2012 .

Moreover, a joint venture company called the Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Corporation Limited was set up in association with the NHPC, Ibobi stated.

Asking NEEPCO to take up the four power projects as soon as possible, Ibobi assured that the State Government would ensure there is least disturbance while implementing the projects.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam remarked that power is vital in today's computer age.

To generate power, water is needed and in order to conserve water throughout the year, it is crucial to protect forests.

Saying that there neither water nor power, if there are no forests, Gaikhangam expressed keen desire to take up the four projects in such manner and areas where it would not affect forest land.

If the four projects can be executed successfully in environment friendly manner, Manipur would certainly find a prominent place in the world tourism map after some years, Gaikhangam asserted.

Some Ministers, MLAs and relevant high-ranking officials were also present at today's gathering.

The four projects for which pre-implementation agreement was signed today are Irang Hydro Electric Project (Tamenglong), Pabram Hydro Electric Project (Tamenglong), Tuivai Hydro Electric Project (Churachandpur) and Khongnem Chakha Hydro Electric Project (Senapati) .