SHILLONG, Feb 6: The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) along with its subsidiary North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) plans to implement five Pump Storage Projects (PSPs) in the state.
NEEPCO director (personnel), Major General (retd) Rakesh Kumar Jha told reporters about the projects here on Thursday.
He said the public sector undertaking proposed this idea to the state government as Meghalaya’s terrain is suitable for PSPs.
Jha said the proposal is in an advanced state with NEEPCO completing the detailed project report on two PSPs in the Wah Umiam area. He added that they are awaiting the no-objection certificate from the state government.
He further said that a few days ago, he discussed the proposal with Chief Secretary, DP Wahlang and Power Secretary, Sanjay Goyal.
“We should be able to kick-start the process as soon as we get the NOC,” he said, adding that the NTPC has also identified three PSPs.
Jha underlined the benefits of PSPs needed to lift water to the highest point in a specific area to generate electricity whenever there is a requirement. “This will perhaps address the problem of shortage of electricity,” he said.
He said the projects would generate employment for the people once the construction starts. The people can also benefit from the corporate social responsibility initiatives. “There is a tremendous potential for hydropower and the PSP projects in the state,” he asserted.
When asked about the Umiam Hydroelectric Project for which NEEPCO signed a memorandum of understanding with the Meghalaya government, he regretted the inability of the PSU to execute it since 1976 for various reasons.
“The MoUs were signed for Stages I, II, and III of the Umiam Hydroelectric Project. We have to take baby steps because these are heavy investments for the hydroelectric projects. All these projects take a lot of money and funding has to come from overseas too. People will not fund if there are environmental concerns,” he said.
Jha said the Umiam Hydroelectric projects have a long gestation period.
He said they are in talks with the state government officials, the deputy commissioners concerned, local groups, and Dorbar Shnongs. “About 80% of the land issues have been resolved. The remaining 20% will require patience to resolve,” he said.
“I am hopeful that this long-pending project will see the light of the day due to the support from Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the impetus by our CMD, Gurdeep Singh,” he said.
