Imphal, November 24 2009: With the expiry of the time given to the state government for the implementation of underground power supply programme under Accelerated Power Development Resource Programme (APDRP) of the tenth five-year plan of Union Ministry of Power, the Centre has struck down the programme.

However, the state government is learnt to have considered the implementation of the scheme under the Special Plan Assistance (SPA).

According to an official source from the state Power department, the time given for the implementation of the programme for the underground power supply project sanctioned by the Centre under the tenth-five year plan had expired on March 31 last.

The project was sanctioned to be implemented in Greater Imphal, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Churchandpur districts.

Failure on the part of the state government to implement the project resulted in the cancellation of the project.

However, the state government has procured the basic infrastructures needed for the implementation of the project at the cost of Rs 80 crore.

The procured materials have been stored at Kangla.

According to a source, the project has been cancelled due to the inability of the state government to cope with monetary demand from certain quarters on the transportation of basic materials for the project along NH 39.It is learnt that demands were served for the transportation of basic necessities including electric poles, transformers, porcelain clad vacuum, circuit breaker (33,000 volt), cable wires, and other items.

Though the project has been withdrawn by the Centre the state government said to be considering the implementation of the developmental project under Special Plan Assistance with an estimated project of Rs 100 crore.

It has also been learnt that the state government is requesting for the re-implementation of the same programme under the Restructured Accelerated Power Development Resource Programme (RSPDRP) in the eleventh five-year plan.

The state government is also said to have invited tenders for the appointment of IT consultants for the project.

The power department is waiting for approval of the state government for the appointment of IT Consultants.

The source said, the Imphal Electrical Division-1 has taken up some works at some places relating to the project that has been cancelled.

The division concerned is said to have completed installation of 50 poles at 21 places in Paona Bazar and Governor Road area.

However, fixing of underground cables and transformer is still not taken out.

The wire will be sunk in the soil in a depth of two-half ft.

The work undertaken at Paona Bazar and Governor's Road area is slated to be completed by December.

The successful implementation of the project would prevent power theft and the revenue of the power department is expected to grow.

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