Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 7
After conducting spot inspection on the feasibility of establishing Hydro Electric Power Project, Minister for Planning & Coordination and Land Revenue Neiba Kronu expressed his interest to take up Tizu valley Hydro Project at Upper Tizu river as desired by three villages- Lozaphuhu, Tezatsu and Kotisu under Phek district.
Addressing the villagers last week at Tizu Bridge between Lozaphuhu and Tezatse in the presence of Er N Neikha, Executive Engineer (Civil), Power Department, Kohima, the Minister assured that he will pursue the matter with the government and concerned authority.
Government of India through its existing power policy has stopped funding the power project exceeding 25 MW. Yet, GoI is still supporting power project below 25 MW, the Minister said and asked the villagers to go for affordable project.
On the other hand, the minister asked the villagers to sort out social issue or landownership problems if any before starting the process of Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Stating that Nagaland is the lowest power generation state in India, Kronu asserted that the state government is making efforts to engage firms for preparation of feasibility of the hydro projects in the state.
Kronu expressed concern that despite the state owning huge scope for undertaking hydro projects, yet Nagaland still reeling under insufficient power generation.
Presently, the state is spending about Rs 250 crores annually on purchase of power from outside.
The revenue generated through power supply within the state amounts to barely about Rs 130 crore annually, resulting a loss of around Rs 100 crores due to non-payment of electricity bills and power theft related case.
Maintaining that good road and electricity are required to enable industrial activities to flourish, Kronu said the state government will give importance towards good road connectivity and power generation.
Declaring that there would be absolutely free of social issue as far as Tizu Valley Hydro project is concerned, Ex-MLA Chekhwutso on behalf of three villages requested the minister to take up the project on priority.
Chekhwutso recalled that during the late 1990s proposal was put up for setting up of the Tizu Valley Hydro Project wherein Pre Feasibility Report was conducted but the project is yet to be taken up till date.
