Meghalaya being a power starved State may face huge challenges ahead once the majority of the people start purchasing electric vehicles as these vehicles will require more energy in order to run.
Speaking about the challenge, Power Minister, Abu Taher Mondal today said that besides emission-free vehicles, new appliances are coming up in offices and homes and with this challenge, there will be a huge increase in the demand of power.
“Until and unless we increase our generation, we will not be able to cope up with the situation,” Mondal said.
Giving a clarion call for proper monitoring and plugging of the loopholes, Mondal also termed the power situation in the State as very serious.
He said that the Power Department is working vigorously to procure more power for the State from State utilities and Central government power agencies such as NTPC and OTPC to overcome the power shortage.
The power minister also mentioned that right now, the State government is working on the Riangdo mini hydro electric project of 3 MW.
“However, the government will also make efforts to explore if 6 MW can be generated from this mini hydel project,” Mondal added.
He informed that the Kynshi power project was scrapped after it was found that it was not profitable.
On the Mawphu power project which is being executed by NEEPCO, Mondal said that there are some land problems and the government is engaging with land owners to part away with their land for the project.
According to Mondal, the State government is also looking at further expanding the existing projects like the Myntdu Leshka hydro electric project.
He said that clearances have been obtained for 12 chapters out of 14 chapters for Myntdu Leshka hydro electric project (Stage II).
“The government is also working on detailed project reports of at least nine to ten small hydel projects for which necessary funding is being scouted,” Mondal said, adding that modernisation of power sub-stations is also taking place in the State.
