16 hydropower projects under construction in northeast

Sixteen hydropower projects are in various stages of construction in the northeast, DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh said on Thursday.

"Presently, 16 hydropower projects aggregating to 5,576 MW are under various stages of construction for the growth and development of the northeastern region, including Sikkim," the minister for Development of North Eastern Region said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Among the projects underway are the Subansiri Lower under the National Hydro Power Corporation, and the Kameng and Pare projects under the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (Neepco). All these three projects are in Arunachal Pradesh.

Another project in the state, Gongri, is being constructed by the private sector, the minister said.

In Mizoram, Neepco is constructing the Turial hydropower project.

In Meghalaya, the state government is constructing the New Umtru hydropower project.

According to the minister, as many as 10 hydel power projects are being constructed in Sikkim by the private sector -- Teesta St. III, Teesta St.VI, Rangti-IV, Jorethang Loop, Bhasmey, Tashiding, Dikch, Rangit-II, Rongnichu, and Panan.

"Based on the studies for re-assessment of hydroelectric potential of the country, completed by the Central Electricity Authority in 1987, identified hydropower potential in the country is 1,48,701 MW," Jitendra Singh said.

"This includes 62,604 MW of potential in the northeastern region, including Sikkim."

He said that at present, 10 projects with an installed capacity of 1,242 MW are in operation in the northeastern region.

"In addition, there hydro electric projects with an installed capacity of 669 MW are in operation in Sikkim. In addition, thermal power plants with total installed capacity of 1,000 MW are under development in the region. Gas-based Palatana Power Plant (Unit II) of 726 MW in Tripura has been commissioned on December 1, 2014," he said.

The central government has also taken a joint initiative with various states to provide 24x7 power for all.

"State specific documents for 24x7 power for all (PFA) have been prepared in respect of Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. For other states, the matter is being pursued and meetings have been held at MoP/CEA (ministry of power/Central Electricity Authority) level with the states," he said.