State seals pact with NEEPCO on 4 new Hydropower Projects
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 28 2014: North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) and Manipur Government today signed pre-implementation agreements for taking up 4 Hydro Electric Power Projects in Churachandpur, Senapati and Tamenglong districts of the state.

The agreements for launching of hydro electric projects at Tuivai, Irang, Khongnem Chakha and Pabram were signed at a function held at Hotel Imphal here today in presence of the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, who also holds the power portfolio in the Council of Ministry.

Th.Kirankumar, Joint Secretary, Power, Government of Manipur signed the agreement on behalf of the State Government, while N.Sarat, Managing Director of Manipur State Power Company Limited was the witness.

On behalf of NEEPCO, Chairman cum Managing Director PC Pankaj signed the accord with NEEPCO's Director (Personnel) S.Borgoinan standing as witness.

Tuivai Hydro Electric project, Churachandpur which is to be taken up at the cost of Rs.325.06 crore is slated to produce 51 megawatt of electricity, while Rs.331.20 crore Irang Hydro Electric project in Tamenglong is going to produce 60 megawatt of power.

State seals pact with NEEPCO on 4 new Hydropower Projects

Power projects in Khongnem Chakha, Senapati which is planned to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs.439.71 crore and in Pabram at the cost of Rs.1031.67 crore will generate 67 and 190 megawatts of electricity respectively.

Speaking at the function of signing the pre-implementation agreements organized by Manipur State power Company Ltd., Chief Minister O.Ibobi said that Manipur has the potential to produce over 2000 megawatt of electricity.

However, with the Loktak Hydroelectric project under NHPC generating 105 megawatt of power at present, the State could tap only 5% of the state's potential.

If the hydro power projects are developed in Manipur, the state can not only manage its increasing demand for power but also boost its resources and employment generation for its youths, the Chief Minister pointed out, while expressing hope that the remote hilly areas could also be developed in the years to come.

With objectives to develop power sector, the government adopted the State Hydro Power Policy in 2012 to facilitate development of hydro power projects having over 5 megawatt capacity, Chief Minister stated, while adding that the Government is planning to reassess the hydro power potential in the state.

Informing that the Government has formed a joint venture company called 'Loktak Downstream Hydro Electric Corporation Limited' with NHPC to implement 66 megawatt capacity project in Tamenglong district, the Chief Minister further informed the gathering that the project is likely to be completed within 5/6 years.

While assuring all possible help to the NEEPCO's endeavour to develop the 4 hydro electric projects, the Chief Minister appealed to the people of Manipur to extend cooperation in implementing the projects.

Admitting acute shortage of power in the State, Ibobi, who is also holding the charge of Power Minister, expressed confidence that the problem of meager electricity in the state will somewhat be solved after the four hydro-power projects are commissioned.

NEEPCO Chairman PC Pankaj, in his speech during the function, informed the participants that the 4 hydro power projects to be taken up in the hill districts of Manipur would be completed within 5 years.

During the function, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Rural Development Minister Francis Ngajokpa, Parliamentary Secretary Vungjagin Valte, vice-chairman of Hill Areas Committee Z.Kikhonbou Newmai, MLA Jamhenlung Panmei, Chief Secretary Lawmkunga, Advisor to CM Jarnail Singh wee also present.

As part of the programme, a panel discussion on 'sustainable development of hydro power' was conducted with Prof..LSadananda, Secretary of Senior Citizens for Society as moderator.