There has been no takers from power companies to develop over 75 run-off-river mini hydro electric projects in this power-starved state of Meghalaya, an official said Friday.
“We have floated expression of interests (EOIs) inviting private power companies to develop small hydro electric projects, but unfortunately there has been no takers,” additional chief secretary in-charge of power B.K. Dev Varma said.
The proposed mini power projects if developed would enhance an additional power of over 567.91MW in this power-starved state, which presently generates only 186.70 MW and has a share of 200 MW from central utilities.
“I really don’t know exactly what was the reason that why we couldn’t find any bidder, it could be the proposed projects are in treacherous and lack of infrastructure (roads) to reach those areas,” Varma said.
“The other reason could be the terms and conditions of the EOIs do not attract investors to develop these projects. But nonetheless, we will again rework the EOI’s in a couple of months and we are hopeful by this year these projects will find investors,” he added.
Till a decade ago, Meghalaya generated surplus power and sold it to neighbouring states. But today, the state shells out about Rs.20 crore for purchasing power every month.
The situation may not improve in the near future as many of the hydel power projects under construction are running behind schedule.
Bangladesh has also opposed to construct two dams: One across the Umiew River known as Mawphu Hydro Electric Project in East Khasi Hills, and another across Myntdu River known as Myntdu-Leshka Hydro Electric Project Stage-II in the West Jaintia Hills.
The 85 MW Mawphu project would be built by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (Neepco) on the Umiew River in East Khasi Hills District at an estimated cost of Rs 453.81 crore.
Moreover, Meghalaya is already on debt-trap with the state-owned Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) has to clear pending dues of around Rs 300 crore to North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO, National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation(NHPC).
State-owned NEEPCO has already regulated its power supply to Meghalaya following the non-clearance of outstanding dues.
However, Varma said the Meghalaya government has submitted a proposal to union ministry of power for financial restructuring plan in order to clear the pending dues of the three central power corporations.
“The restructuring plan was aimed at to avail 25 per cent financial assistance from the Central government as well as 75 per cent from financial institutions in the form of loan,” he said.
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