Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 11:
Despite staunch resistance by the Committee Against Tipaimukh Dam and threat to launch agitations, the State Government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the implementing agency of Tipaimukh Multi-Purpose Project, Northeastern Power Corporation (NEEPCO) at New Delhi.
Even as a meeting of the Committee held today at the conference hall of MBC, Imphal resolved to organize public rallies, bandh on NH 53, seminars and other agitational steps if the State Government signed the MoU, State Power Secretary, Rajesh Kumar had already struck the deal with NEEPCO officials at the national capital on January 9.NEEPCO was represented by the Chairman and Managing Director Subash C Sharma.
The agreement also slashed the construction period to seven years from the originally planned twelve years.
Following the agreement, Central Electricity Authority has also given its techno-economic clearance for commencement of the construction activities.
Per unit cost of the 1500 megawatt project has also been reduced from Rs 4.54 paise to 2.35, said the Power Secretary in a telephonic conversation from New Delhi this evening.
He further said that the accumulated amount from the deduction will be utilized in provision of security related works and rehabilitation of affected villages.
The dam is set to completely submerge eight villages and affect 94 percent of the land along the project site on the Manipur side and 6 percent of Mizoram, disclosed the Secretary.
The estimated cost of the Project is Rs 600 crores and a clearance from Pre-Public Investment Board is expected by February.
Clearance from the PIB is necessary.
The construction work will formally start after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gives the clearance, which is likely to come by March.
The Union Power Ministry has formally entrusted NEEPCO to take up the construction work, added the Secretary.
The State will also get 12 percent of the generated power free of cost with extensive employment opportunity reserved for the affected people of both the States.