Speed up Power Projects: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM Chowna Mein

Our Correspondent

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein while opining that the main resource of the State lies in hydro power sector, has called upon the power developers to fast track the execution of hydro power projects, taken up by them

Mein made this call during a crucial meeting he had with departments of Hydro Power Development, Land & Forest, Deputy Commissioners of Dibang Valley & Lower Dibang Valley districts and NHPC to discuss land compensation issues pertaining to Dibang multipurpose project at his office here on Friday, an official communique informed here today.

“In the next five years, I want to see that we generate more power and earn revenue through this sector,” the Deputy Chief Minister said. Informing that the State Government would extend all support to the private power developers, the DCM cautioned them saying that the government would not hesitate to terminate the contract works if the power developers fail to make satisfactory progress as per the MoU.

Seeking to resolve the compensation issues between the NHPC and the Dibang Multipurpose Project Affected Committee amicably keeping the interest of the State instead of dragging the issue in the court for long, he formed a committee to find a solution to the land compensation issue and asked the committee to sit with the respective Deputy Commissioners, MLAs of both Dibang Valley & Lower Dibang Valley districts, Forest & Land Departments and NHPC and submit the finding before the next Cabinet meeting. It is pertinent here to mention that Dibang Multipurpose Project (2880 MW), envisaged as a storage project for flood moderation and hydro power, will give an energy generation of 11,223 MUs in a year.

Total share of 12 per cent free power to the state in terms of revenue shall come to Rs 573 crore (approx) per year and additional 1% free power will be contributed for the Local Area Development Fund, which will amount to Rs 47 crore (approx) per year. Mein also took stock of the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project whose major works are in a standstill since December, 2011 due to agitation by various pressure groups of Assam, the communique added.

Also Read: Budget To Focus on Road Communication, Health: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM Chowna Mein