NEEPCO To Build 4 Hydro Projects in Manipur

By Sobhapati Samom
Imphal, Aug 29 : Manipur Government today signed a pre-implementation agreement with the North East Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) for implementation of four hydro power projects with a total installed capacity of 368 MW, at the conferene hall of Hotel Imphal here this morning.

Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Rural Development Minister Francis Ngajokpa, Parliamentary Secretary for Horticulture and Soil Conservation Vungzagin Valte, State Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga attended the pre-implementation agreement signing function. State Electricity department chief engineer N Sarat was also present in the meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, Ibobi Singh appealed to the NEEPCO authority not to take much time in completing the projects. He also expressed the need to address the environmental issues while taking up the projects. NEEPCO CMD PC Pankaj assured that the Corporation will try to complete the project within five years time.

The four hydropower projects which are expected to be taken up in collaboration with NEEPCO include Irang Hydro Project (60 MW), Tuivai Hydro Project (51 MW), Pabram Hydro Project (190 MW) and Khongnem Hydro Project (67MW).

The project cost of Irang Project is estimated at about Rs 330 crore while Pabram project, may cost more than Rs 1,000 crore, both in Tamenglong district. The Irang project would entail construction of a 104 metres high earthen dam.

Tuivai Project costing around Rs 300 crore would be taken up at Deilkhai village under Thanlon sub-division of Churachandpur district. This project too would have an earthen dam of 110 metres height while the Khongnem power project under Tadubi Assembly constituency in Senapati district will be taken up with an investment of Rs 430 crore.

Manipur is currently facing a power shortage like the other NE States. The State has a shortfall of about 80 MW to 90 MW in peak hour specially in winters.