NEEPCO' hydel ventures in Mizoram: Centre's nod awaited for MoA signed for 1,526 MW projects

The State-owned power firm, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) has requested the Ministry of Power (MoP) to approve the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed with the Mizoram Government for the implementation of three hydroelectric projects (HEP), having an aggregate capacity of 1,526 MW. The Board of Directors of NEEPCO has already okayed these this MoA in the Board-meeting held on June 28, 2010. Accordingly, the utility now wants the MoP to give its nod for the same, so that NEEPCO can actually go ahead with the execution of these three HEPs, namely, the 815 MW Lungreng, 635 MW Chhimtuipui and 76 MW Mat HEPs.

Pertinently, NEEPCO singed the requisite MoA with the state government in March 2010. As per the MoA, NEEPCO will, first, undertake necessary survey and investigation (S&I) activities to prepare the detailed project reports (DPR) for the three projects. Subsequently, the utility will be entitled to develop these hydel ventures, subject to ascertaining the techno-economic viability for the projects, to be set-up in the eastern and south-eastern parts of the state. The power firm is due to bear the expenses for carrying out the S&I work for the preparation of DPR for the three HEPs. To note, NEEPCO has already been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the 60 MW Turial HEP in this north-eastern state, the development of which has been stalled for more than six years now, on account of the problems relating to law and order situation in the locality and acquisition of required land areas.