Chowna Mein advocates for inviting more private power developers

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Friday advocated for inviting private power developers to harness the hydropower potential of the State so as to enhance the economy.

Chairing two important meetings regarding construction of two hydro projects, Mein said that inviting potential private power developers to the State would also open ample employment opportunities for the unemployed youth.

"The hydropower projects, once developed will make our State self-sufficiency in power as the developers will share free power of 5-10 per cent to the State government besides one per cent for local area development. It will also create avenues for establishment of industry and food processing units for the local entrepreneurs," Mein, who also holds the power portfolio, said.

The meetings were convened with all stakeholders to discuss on construction of 23 mw Keyi hydro-electric project under Pistana circle of Lower Subansiri district and 14.5 mw Pareng project under Sagalee sub-division in Papumpare district, a statement said.

While assuring to look into the grievances of the project affected people of the two projects, Mein said that there is shortage of power in the State despite having so much of potential.

He informed that the State's Hydro-power Development Policy is one of the best in the country as it has incorporated the best elements found in the other States and said that there is no scope of denying the people's rights.

He also asked the private power developers to maintain transparency while implementing the projects and win the confidence of the local people for smooth implementation of the projects.

During the meetings, two committees were constituted to look into the grievances of project affected people and to resolve the issues - one under the chairmanship of Education Minister Taba Tedir for Keyi project and the other under the chairmanship of former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for the Pareng project.

Education Minister Tedir, Agriculture Minister Tage Taki, Advisor to Power Minister Balo Raja, Tuki, Commissioner (Power) Prashant Lokhande, Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Swetika Sachan, Papumpare DC Pige Ligu, Deputy Director (Land Management) Techi Hitlar and the project affected people were present in the meeting.

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