Power Ministers of Northeast meet in Guwahati

Guwahati: The Power Ministers' Conference of North Eastern Region (NER) states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura was held in Guwahati on Tuesday, focussing on the overall scenario of the power sector in the region, with a special focus on hydropower generation, power transmission and distribution. 

The states reviewed progress in various schemes of the Government of India, including the North-Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP), Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening of Transmission & Distribution Systems in Sikkim, and the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

The Additional Secretary (Power) highlighted the government's commitment to ensuring reliable and quality power supply to consumers. Currently, 37 hydropower projects (HEPs) with a capacity of 15 GW are under construction, with projects for adding another 50 GW under development. The goal is to add another 11.9 GW of hydropower capacity in the next five years. The development of Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) is also crucial for meeting energy requirements.

Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), distribution infrastructure and smart metering works have been sanctioned for these states, with a total outlay of Rs 13,14 crore. The financial viability of DISCOMs plays a crucial role in the sector's transformation. The government is committed to providing electricity access to un-electrified habitations and households in the country.

In his address, Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, welcomed all dignitaries and indicated joint efforts needed for achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

He highlighted the Northeastern states' significant contribution to the country's Viksit Bharat goals and the Central Government's efforts to improve connectivity and infrastructure in the region.