By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: With just only 10 MW power production during the lean period, the Opposition on Wednesday demanded a white paper on the status of the Myntdu-Leshka hydro-electric project completed at the cost of over Rs 1000 crore.
Ardent Basaiawmoit (HSPDP) raised a question in the Assembly on the status of the hydel project.
Opposition members Paul Lyngdoh and Dr Donkupar Roy also wanted to know whether the project is viable considering the cost incurred for the project.
“The project is unviable and it has become the costliest ever venture in the whole country,” Lyngdoh said, adding that as per the CAG report the cost of the project has gone up from Rs 363 crore in 2004 to Rs 965 crore.”
“The cost per unit of power will come to around Rs 7,” he added.
The UDP leader pointed out that it is a fit case for handing over to the CBI for a high level probe and the Government must bring out a white paper on the matter.
However, Power Minister Clement Marak explained that it was the high cost of materials which resulted in the price escalation.
On the demand for a white paper on the project, Marak said the Government will examine the issue.
To a supplementary question by Dr Roy on the issue of chronic defects of many types of equipment, the Minister informed that the defects were corrected.