Loktak Downstream Hydro Project fails to take off
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 08 2011:
Delay in development of the approach road to the dam site is serious threat to commencement of the Loktak Downstream Project works.
The State Government aims to generate 66 MW of power on completion of the Project.
An official source confided that inordinate delay is being caused to the Project, a joint venture of the State Government and National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC), as the Works Department is yet to begin road development work upto the dam site.
It is said that the State Government had already sanctioned an initial amount of Rs 5 crores last year for development of road from Toupul to Tousang via Thangal and another route from Rengpang upto the Dam site.
While informing that development of the two-way approach road is being estimated to require about Rs 100 crores, the official said till date there is no sign of execution of the approach road work, In connection with the upcoming project, officials of Geological Survey of India have commenced survey activities.
On the other hand, dispute over appointment of director of the Tipaimukh Multi Purpose Hydro Power Project is hampering expeditious implementation of the Project.
The Project is also a joint venture of the State Government, NHPC and Sutlej Vidyut Jal Nigam Limited.
It is informed that the dispute arised after the Union Ministry of Public enterprises insisted on appointment of only two Directors for the Project.
Contrary to the Ministry's stand, the State Govt has reportedly impressed upon the Union Ministry of Power on the need for appointment of atleast three directors as the project involved three parties and leaving out one of them might create fissures and affect the Project work.