IMPHAL, May 8: The much awaited Loktak Downstream Project which is expected to make up the State’s power shortage to a considerable degree is most likely to take off within six months.
National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is its implementing agency and its estimated cost calculated at the rates prevalent in 2015 is Rs 1250 crore.
Following the delay in implementing the project, the project cost is most likely to escalate.
While a dam would be constructed at Tousang Khullen upstream, there would be three power generating units in the downstream.
The total installed capacity of the project is 66 MW (22 MW each for three generating units).
As a norm, power generated from hydroelectric projects in the North East region are shared among the North Eastern States. As such, power generated from Loktak Hydroelectric Project would also be shared among the North Eastern States.
With a view to start construction of Loktak Hydroelectric Project, NHPC Chairman and Managing Director KN Singh came to Imphal. He talked with the Chief Minister, the Works Minister and the Chief Secretary before leaving Imphal today, informed a source.
During his meeting with the Chief Minister, KN Singh urged the State Government to finalise the agreement which would be signed with the power purchase committee for sharing power.
Around 211.5 hectares of land are likely to be affected by the project and it is estimated that around Rs 13 crore would be required for payment of land compensation.
DCs concerned have already constituted a committee to look into the matter of land compensation.
KN Singh also urged the Chief Minister to complete the process of paying land compensation as early as possible. He met project affected land owners in the evening of May 7 and he assured the villagers that the work would be taken up within six months.
Construction of approach road up to the site where the power generating units would be built is now largely completed. KN Singh submitted representation to the Chief Minister today before leaving Imphal to fully complete construction of the approach road and also to strengthen Irang Bridge, conveyed the source.
Meanwhile, Loktak Downstream Project Board of Directors held a meeting today at Classic Grande Hotel where it was decided to ink a power purchase agreement.
It is reported that the Central Electricity Authority would soon give technical approval of Loktak Downstream Project.
Source: The Sangai Express
