Guwahati: Meghalaya Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal on Tuesday stated that the state government has asked the Union Ministry of Power for financial support towards vital transmission infrastructure projects worth Rs 2,270 crore.
The request was made during the 16th National Power Committee (NPC) meeting, recently conducted under the umbrella of the North Eastern Regional Power Committee (NERPC). The meeting was hosted by Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and the NPC.
Mondal, who is the NERPC chairman as well, mentioned that the Rs 2,270-crore transmission scheme, which received the CEA approval, would increase the capacity by 760 MVA and expand the network by 190 circuit kilometres (ckt km).
"The state has drawn up this transmission plan with the approval of CEA. While part of the funding has been planned through the state government and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), we are severely financially constrained," Mondal said in a statement to PTI.
The state has also requested the CEA to discuss the issue with the Ministry of Power to relieve Meghalaya of its financial burden, he added.
Mondal specifically emphasized the pressing requirement of a specialized 132 kV transmission line to Baghmara and other border towns on the Bangladesh border. "Not only will this line provide a guaranteed power supply to these places, but it will also be strategically beneficial," he said.
Existing lines at present go through reserved forests and elephant corridors, posing tough challenges in the maintenance and environmental clearance fronts.
The minister also emphasized the necessity of increasing 132 kV infrastructure in South Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, and South West Khasi Hills districts. He also announced that land acquisition for a special 132 kV substation at Nongpoh has been undertaken, which is anticipated to enhance transmission stability in Ri Bhoi district.
ALSO READ: More than 21 Lakh Houses Completed Under PMAY-G in Assam: Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass
Mondal pointed to outstanding approvals in the Power System Development Fund (PSDF) which have held back the upgradation of SCADA EMS systems in the region.
He also pointed to the growing risk of cyberattacks on the power infrastructure and stressed the need for upgradation of systems immediately.
The minister further suggested that a common accounting software should be implemented in all the regions to increase transparency and operational efficiency.
Mondal was optimistic, observing that the CEA and NPC chairperson had replied favorably to the state's appeals and promised that the issue would be brought to the Ministry of Power for the required funds.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
