SHILLONG: The much awaited and yet arguably the most controversial 240 mw Umngot hydro power project has cleared most of the hurdles save funding.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, senior engineer from MeECL, Elias Lyngdoh said that the detailed project report (DPR) of the proposed power project has been completed and what remains to be decided now is who would execute the project.
The MeECL will not be in a position to take the project forward unless the corporation gets sufficient fund for the project.
The State is likely to approach the Centre to secure fund from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the purpose.
“If JICA sponsor’s us, we can take up the project,” Lyngdoh said adding that the funding would be on a ratio of 80-20.
The 240 mw project has been vehemently opposed by certain anti-dam activists and locals who fear that the proposed project would submerge certain villages.
Lyngdoh, however, said that majority of the people were not opposing the project.
The estimated budget of the project would be around Rs 1700 crore. The proposed project, once completed, is expected to meet the power shortfall in the State.
It is feared that several swathes of agricultural land on the banks of the Umngot, which emanates from Smit village and flows to Bangladesh, could be submerged once the project takes off.