Kolkata, December 11: The 25th Annual Meeting of the North-Eastern Regional Power Committee (NERPC), successfully concluded in Kolkata. The event, organized by NTPC and under the aegis of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Ministry of Power, brought together key stakeholders to discuss and strategize the future of the power sector in the North-Eastern region.
The event witnessed the esteemed presence of key dignitaries shaping the power sector in the North-Eastern region. The event was graced 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 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.
Meghalaya was led by the Power Minister, Shri Abu Taher Mondal who was accompanied by Shri Sanjay Goyal, IAS, CMD, MeECL, Shri Moonstar Shangpliang, Director (Distribution), MePDCL, Shri Macarius Rymbai, Director (Generation), MePGCL and Shri Apbor Kharpran, Director (Transmission), MePTCL.
Power Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Abu Taher Mondal shed light on the challenges and opportunities in the power sector specific to the state. The Minister’s speech emphasized the commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, highlighting the importance of collaboration among the North-Eastern states for the collective advancement of the region.
Minister said, “The CEA/CWC/GSI/CSMRS have diligently reviewed and accorded clearances for 12 chapters out of the total 14 chapters against the Myntdu Leshka Stage-II Hydroelectric Project of proposed capacity 3x70MW as per the latest guidelines issued by the CEA in August 2022 and clearances on the 2 more chapters is likely to be received soon. This is a commendable milestone, and it underscores our commitment to harnessing clean and sustainable energy sources.”
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.
The NERPC felt the need of forming a forum comprising of the Power Ministers of the Northeast 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.
Power Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Abu Taher Mondal was offered the chairmanship of the forum by Shri Chowna Mein, Dy. Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, and Chairman, NERPC.
The decision was agreed by other members and representatives, but Hon’ble Power Minister 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 NERPC also expressed the need for the restoration of financial incentives provided by the Government of India to set up small hydro projects, which was stopped since 2019 and extension of possible technical and financial support so that power generation is augmented optimally in the Northeastern states. The proposal of setting up a 132/33KV 2x25MVA Substation at Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi District was also approved by the CEA.
Notably, Meghalaya recently launched Rs 500 crore Solar Mission to ensure a sustainable source of power in the state. The increasing gradual switch towards renewable and sustainable energy sources are a strong testament to the state’s commitment towards a green and sustainable future, ensuring seamless power supply across the state.
