Meghalaya pushes for central aid to boost small hydro projects at NE power meet

Meghalaya’s Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal advocated for the reinstatement of Central financial assistance for small hydro power projects during the North East Region Power Ministers’ Conference held in Guwahati. Chaired by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the conference served as a pivotal platform for addressing crucial energy sector issues and fostering collaborative solutions. Minister Mondal emphasized the critical need for continued support from the Power Ministry, particularly highlighting the halted funding stream for small hydro power projects. He also urged for expedited approval of the detailed project report (DPR) of Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) Phase-II.

Addressing gaps in funding between sanctioned and actual costs under RDSS Phase-I, Mondal stressed on resolving these discrepancies to ensure seamless implementation of power sector initiatives in Meghalaya. He further underscored the state’s aspirations for developing Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs), emphasizing the necessity of Central government backing for their advancement. At the conference, Meghalaya’s Commissioner and Secretary (Power) Sanjay Goyal proposed revising funding criteria for household electrification, suggesting aligning funding allocations with actual households electrified rather than estimates. This proposal received favorable reception among Power Ministry officials present at the event.

Key figures including Joint Secretary of the Power Ministry Shashank Mishra, Deputy Secretary Jameer Uddin Ansari, and Chairman of the Central Electricity Authority Ghanshyam Prasad participated in the discussions. Representatives from Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), and NHPC contributed to deliberations on pivotal issues shaping the region’s energy landscape. The conference concluded with consensus on the importance of collaborative efforts between state and central authorities to address funding challenges and promote sustainable development in Meghalaya’s power sector. Stakeholders remain optimistic about fostering a conducive environment for future energy initiatives in the North East region.