The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and other agencies have accorded clearances for 12 chapters out of the total 14 chapters related to the Myntdu Leshka Stage-II Hydroelectric Project of proposed 3×70 MW capacity and clearances on the two more chapters is likely to be received soon.
This was informed by Meghalaya Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal during the 25th Annual Meeting of the North Eastern Regional Power Committee (NERPC) which concluded in Kolkata today.
Terming the clearances of the 12 chapters on the Myntdu Leshka Stage-II power project (3×70 MW) as a commendable milestone, Mondal said, “It underscores our commitment to harnessing clean and sustainable energy sources.”
Mondal also informed that the proposal of setting up a 132/33KV 2x25MVA Substation at Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi District was also approved by the CEA.
He also mentioned that Meghalaya recently launched the Rs 500 crore Solar Mission to ensure sustainable source of power in the State.
According to Mondal, the increasingly gradual switch towards renewable and sustainable energy sources are a strong testament to Meghalaya’s commitment towards a green and sustainable future, ensuring seamless power supply across the State.
He also shed light on the challenges and opportunities in the power sector specific to the State. His speech emphasised the commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, highlighting the importance of collaboration among the North East states for the collective advancement of the region.
Mondal was accompanied at the meeting by MeECL Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Goyal, MePDCL Director Moonstar Shangpliang, MePGCL Director Macarius Rymbai, and MePTCL Director Apbor Kharpran.
The NERPC meeting felt the need of forming a forum comprising the power ministers of the North East states to resolve the bilateral problems and to take up the common issues related to the power sector in the region with the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
During the meeting, Mondal was offered the chairmanship of the forum by Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, and Chairman, NERPC.
The decision was agreed by other members and representatives, but Mondal refused the same by suggesting that the Chairman of NERPC should also be the chairman of the forum to avoid any conflict of interest in the future. The visionary recommendation was highly welcomed and agreed by other members of the committee.
The event, organised by NTPC and under the aegis of the CEA, Ministry of Power, witnessed the presence of key dignitaries shaping the power sector in the North East region. It was addressed by the power ministers of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura, each providing valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within their respective states.
The Chairman of NERPC and Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Chowna Mein added significant weight to the discussions. The event also featured the Director Finance, NTPC, Member Secretary of NERPC and various officials from the host NTPC.
The meeting deliberated upon the issues of the power sector in the Northeast region and several recommendations were made to strengthen the power sector and ensure it remains reliable, efficient, and economical.
