First LED power project set to light up homes
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 16 2015 : A 5 KV Micro Hydel project, the first ever LED power project in the State, was formally inaugurated today at Chepu Yaolen village in Ukhrul district.

The inaugural programme of the hydel unit was attended by Hrisheekesh Modak, DC, Ukhrul; L Manglem Singh, Director, MANIREDA and Tychichus Vashum, Project Manager, NERCORMP/IFAD, Ukhrul as the chief guest and guests of honour respectively.

The hydel unit was constructed by Natural Resource Management Group (NaRM-G) of Chepu Yaolen village with the support of MANIREDA, Govt of Manipur, NERCORMP/IFAD, Ukhrul and district administration, Ukhrul.

The Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA) in collaboration with Ukhrul District Community Resource Management Society (UDCRMS) implemented the project.

A total of 55 households and 15 street lights have been electrified by the project.

Speaking at the occasion, Hrisheekesh Modak said that the micro hydel unit will not only light every household of the village, but also light up the streets of the village.

The power project at Chepu Yaolen village

He exuded strong confidence that the village could become a model village if necessary attention is given to develop the village.

Modak also urged the villagers to use power judiciously and economically so that the village sustains in the long run.

L Manglem said that many such micro hydel projects are taken up at different places of the State.

Chepu Yaolen has become the first Light Emitting Diode (LED) village.

He urged the villagers to preserve water source of the village so that there is uninterrupted and perennial water supply for the unit.

Manglem advised the villagers not to cut down trees and instead plant more trees around the village so that the water source is preserved.

90 percent of projects taken up by MANIREDA in different interior parts of the State during the past ten years is a success, Manglem said.

The MANIREDA Director also urged the villagers to use LED bulbs in order to save power.

Tychicus Vashum said that Chepu Yaolen villagers now need not fret about power shortage.

Vashum said the village could be an important tourist spot if adequate attention is given to develop the village.

The project installation, started from Oct 2014, is set up at the cost of Rs 19,88,680.The project was completed in March this year and commissioned on April 28 .

ADC members of Ukhrul, officials of MANIREDA, UDCRMS and villagers attended the inauguration function.

A piggery unit was also formally inaugurated at the village today.