SHILLONG: The Vice Chairman of State Level Public Grievances Committee, Aldo A Sangma has urged the Power Minister James Sangma to set up mini hydropower projects in the state.
In a letter submitted to the Power Minister, the vice chairman said that due to the increasing demand for power, sole department on the power supplied by the state-owned Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) from its existing plants may not be a solution in the long run considering the meagre output and heavy dependence on import of power from outside the same to meet the demands which is costing the state exchequer.
He also highlighted the benefits of the development of mini hydropower projects in the state saying that it would act as multipurpose dams for different purposes. It is also cost-effective and can be completed in short period of time besides creating employment opportunities.
“The projects could also be linked with the Meghalaya State Water Policy and small hydropower projects will not only supply electricity to the people but also water for irrigation of agriculture farms, potable water supplies, fish sanctuaries, water reservoirs and promote aqua tourism by developing the surroundings as lakes and recreational parks and picnic spots, etc., thereby encouraging sustainable developmental activities among the people,” the vice chairman said.
Besides benefits, construction of mini hydropower projects will save displacement of people and their allied activities and also reduce destruction of environment and forest cover by construction of large dams. The power supplied from small plants will also help in uninterrupted transmission, easy maintenance and the electricity generated in excess could be integrated with local power grids in peak seasons, he added.
