MP S. Supongmeren Jamir meets Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in New Delhi to submit representations on urgent infrastructure and renewable energy issues concerning Nagaland and the Northeast region.
Kohima, July 28 (MExN): S Supongmeren Jamir, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Nagaland, has submitted separate representations to the Union Ministers for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and New and Renewable Energy, highlighting a range of infrastructure and energy-related challenges facing Nagaland and the Northeast region.
In a letter addressed to Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister for DoNER, the MP flagged serious concerns over the delay in the completion of the four-laning project of the Dimapur-Kohima road, a critical connectivity route to the state capital. “The Capital connectivity of Kohima, 4 laning of Dimapur – Kohima Road completions is taken more than the stipulated years and delayed the project, as per the re-scheduled date of completion,” he wrote.
Calling for immediate intervention, Jamir stated, “It is observed that unless your authority can send a high power committee for spot verifications it will not be possible to complete as expected.”
On communication infrastructure, the MP drew attention to mobile connectivity issues in the region. “The Mobile connectivity’s of North East States uncovered villages in the region, which is reported on the major completed projects of departments show 100%, but in the ground realities implementation are not completed,” he wrote. He further pointed out that in Nagaland, tower construction is incomplete and, in some cases, where towers exist, network lines are not connected. He also noted the need to secure BSNL properties and improve staff quarters and office infrastructure.
Additionally, he expressed concern over the discontinuation of the Off-Grid Solar Programme in the region. “The New and Renewable energy Ministry has suddenly discontinue of off-grid solar program of North East Region, like installation of Solar Streets lights, Home Lightening system, Solar power packs etc. which needs to be continue,” he stated, urging the Ministry to restore the scheme for the benefit of the region.
In a separate submission to Pralhad Joshi, Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Jamir elaborated on the broader renewable energy challenges in Nagaland, pointing out structural and policy constraints.
Despite the State’s potential for hydropower generation, Jamir stated, “The State is unable to fully harness this resource due to the absence of a dedicated central funding scheme for hydropower development.” He proposed the formulation of a dedicated Hydropower Development Scheme by the Ministry of Power and MNRE, focusing on smaller, regionally viable projects.
On solar energy, he noted that although Nagaland had made commendable efforts to adopt solar technology, the generic national guidelines failed to reflect the “unique topographical, logistical, and climatic conditions of the region.” The MP observed that the sudden discontinuation of the earlier Off-Grid Solar Programme “hindered momentum just as community-level acceptance was building.”
Addressing wind energy potential, Jamir pointed out that “certain regions in the State exhibit potential for wind energy generation, [but] these areas lack proper road access and transmission infrastructure.” He urged the Ministry to introduce schemes for Small Wind Turbines (SWT) and micro-wind systems suitable for hilly terrains.
He also flagged systemic obstacles such as inadequate transmission infrastructure and the limited participation of private investors and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) due to high project costs and logistical difficulties. He called for the establishment of a dedicated ‘Green Energy Corridor’ for the Northeast and central funding support to build evacuation infrastructure in remote districts.
To incentivize private sector participation, the MP proposed “Central Incentives such as GST waivers, capital subsidies, and tax holidays” and suggested special category status for Northeastern States to level the playing field.
Jamir stated, “Nagaland has taken critical steps towards integrating renewable energy into its development agenda, while progress has been made, sustained support—both financial and policy-driven—is required from the Central Government and relevant ministries.”
He expressed hope that with targeted support and region-specific schemes, Nagaland can significantly contribute to the national vision of “Viksit Bharat (Developed India)” by 2047.
