Tipaimukh project runs into forest clearance wall
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 19 2018: Even as the Ministry of Forest and Environment had declined forest clearance for the mega Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Power Project, the Government has been exploring other options, said Manipur State Power Company (MSPC) Managing Director N Sarat.

Speaking to media persons at DIPR complex, Moirangkhom here today, Sarat said that forest clearance had been declined in view of the vast areas of forests which would be affected by the project.

Nonetheless, the Government has been exploring other options/projects which would affect minimal forest areas.

MSPC Executive Director N Dwijen informed that the Ministry of Forest and Environment suggested reducing the height of Tipaimukh Dam and take up three/four smaller projects whose combined capacity is equal to the original capacity of Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Power Project.

Notably, foundation stone for Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Power Project was laid by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at the dam site.

Lahmeyer India Private Limited, a German company based in India had completed a research work into the proposed Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Power Project and they would submit a report to the Government shortly, said the Executive Director.

Re-assessment of the rivers flowing through Manipur revealed that around 33 power projects of 5 to 25 MW capacity can be taken up in different parts of the State, said Managing Director N Sarat.

According to a study conducted by the company, 15 power projects can be taken up at Barak basin, nine projects at Lanye basin, six projects at Maklangkhong basin and three projects at Manipur basin.

In line with the Government of India's target of ensuring power supply to all the citizens of the country by 2019, the company would be able to provide power to all households of the State by December this year.

Even though the State's total power requirement during peak hours is 200 MW, the company has facilities for importing 1000 MW, Sarat said.

Earlier, the State faced immense difficulties in importing power due to inadequate power transmission facility.

The problem was effectively resolved after the installation of 400 KV double circuit line between Silchar and Imphal.

Another 400 KV transmission line is being constructed through Kohima and the same project would be completed by June 2020.The State has 19 power sub-stations of 132 KV and 105 power sub-stations of 33 KV.

As such, the State has no sufficient facilities for power transmission.

Following the establishment of load dispatch centre at Yurembam, power consumed at different areas can be ascertained instantaneously.

The company has also been working to connect 20 power sub-stations with optical fibres in the first phase, said the Managing Director.

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