IMPHAL, May 4 : Gelnal Hydel Power Project of 300 KW capacity was inaugurated today at GM hall, Gelnal village, Senapati district in the presence of MLA Francis Ngajokpa, Kangpokpi ADC DK Thangboi and MANIREDA Director L Manglem.
The plant was installed in the early 90s by the Department of Electricity, Manipur. Operations of the plant was discontinued in 1994 due to technical and other issues.
MANIREDA in coordination with the village authority of Gelnal began the renovation of the defunct plant in 2008. The renovation process was completed in 2010 but owing to the absence of power distribution line in the village, power supply did not immediately start.
In September 2015, MANIREDA deposited the required funds to the MSPDCL after which the necessary power lines were laid. The plant began functioning on trial operation the same month.
Speaking at the formal inaugural function of the power plant, MLA Francis Ngajokpa said with required attention the plant can generate enough power for the whole village.
For all-round development, building up the backward areas of the State is important, the MLA stated.
Contractors and engineers engaged in the construction of Imphal – Tamei road have pocketed every possible benefit from the project, the MLA alleged. Had the sanctioned funds been utilised properly, the condition of the road would, by now, be much better, he stated. The MLA further urged all concerned to build a durable road in the interest of the people.
DK Thangboi, on the other hand, urged the villagers to plant more trees in and around the village. Unchecked deforestation can adversely affect the power generation by the hydel power plant, he stated.
MANIREDA Director Manglem said the renovated power plant is fully functional now and is supplying power to 87 households of Gelnal village. Power will also be made available to neighbouring villages based on technical feasibility, he added.
MSPDCL, MANIREDA and Gelnal Village Authority have agreed to share the responsibilities to ensure sustainability of the project. While MANIREDA will be responsible for power generation, MSPDCL will look after transmission and distribution and the village authority will collect the tariff from consumers under the guidance of MSPDCL and MANIREDA.
