KOHIMA, APRIL 18 (DIPR): Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio released the NEPED-II Source book entitled “Adding Value to Shifting Cultivation, Nagaland, India” on April 17 at Hotel Japfü, Kohima. Addressing the gathering, Rio said that though the Nagaland Empowerment of People through Energy Development (NEPED) is a new concept, his government is committed towards the success of the project so that it would benefit the people of the state, especially the poor, backward and rural areas.
While appreciating the innovativeness and sincerity of the government officials in bringing out benefiting initiatives and good programmes, Rio said the success of the project depends on the response of the public. The government is only a facilitator and thus the participation and sense of ownership must be from the people. On the other hand, he called on the officers to motivate and install a sense of confidence in the minds of the people and also to do anything that is possible for the welfare of the public during their tenure in office.
The Chief Minister also said that today, at present one cannot imagine life without power. The Government’s policy on information technology, Community Information Centres at the district and sub-division levels with all its expensive gadgets and financial investments would be a futile exercise without power.
The Chief Minister also stated that the Government was losing about 50 crores annually due to power theft, transmission and other related matters. He expressed confidence that the NEPED’s project, once started, could save Government money and at the same time, help in easing the power shortage the state is facing. He further called on the Power department to give logical and technical support whenever necessary and to work hand in hand for the success of the project. It was also learnt that the budget of Rs 532 Lakhs have been estimated for the project out of which Rs 1.5 Crore will be provided by the state government.
The Government plans to install 364 hydrogers in the state, of which 196 have already been procured and in 20 sites models. Micro Hydro Projects have been already started. The programme was chaired by Chief Secretary and Chairman, PSC, NEPED, Lalhuma. A power-point presentation on the project was delivered by team leader of NEPED, Temjen Toy and the introductory speech was delivered by Padmashree, AM Gokhale, while the vote of thanks was delivered by POU member, S. Odyuo. Those present at the programme included R. Kevichüsa, Bhaskar from ICEF, senior officers and NEPED officials.
