CM assures power supply to Myanmar
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 03 2013: Even though power supply inadequacy has been a chronic problem in the State for decades, Chief Minister Okram ibobi Singh has assured a Myanmarese delegation that Manipur will take all possible measures to provide electricity to the resource rich neighbouring country.

The assurance for power supply was reportedly made to a Myanmarese delegation led by Saigang Region's Power Minister U Kyaw Win during a meeting at the CM's office late morning today.

It may be noted that contrary to the Government citing non-clearance of bills by the public for Manipur being one of the worst States in terms of power supply, the common people have been accusing the Government for its failure to ensure uninterrupted power supply for atleast some hours in a day.

According to an informed source Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam was also present at the meeting.

Myanmar delegates with the Chief Minister and Govindas Konthoujam

It is said that along with the assurance to supply 2/3 megawatt power for use in Tamu township of Myanmar, Ibobi also proposed setting up a coal-based thermal power plant at Moreh.

Myanmar is supposed to provide the coal for the said thermal plant.

Informing that the CM's assurance was in response to U Kyaw's request for at least 2/3 megawatt power supply, specifically for Tamu township, the source quoted O Ibobi Singh as saying that Central Government officials would be intimated for expeditious clearance to supply electricity to Myanmar.

The meeting also centred on installing HT power lines and installation of transformers in Tamu, maintained the source.

With regard to setting up a thermal power plant at Moreh, the CM is said to have explained inevitability of the border town needing a viable power generation facility in view of Moreh's strategic location as a major centre for international trade in the near future.

Moreover, Ibobi also pointed out that setting up the power plant at Moreh would be more feasible for electricity supply to Tamu town, said the source adding that inspite of the CM's assurance the Myanmar delegation strongly suggested that the said power plant be set-up somewhere in Myanmar.

In connection with the proposed setting up of the power plant and assess quality of the power generating source (coal), an official team of Manipur would visit Myanmar in April last week.

The Myanmar team also emphasised on developing the Manipur-Myanmar connecting road into an all-weather road.

Later in the afternoon another meeting jointly chaired by Govindas Konthoujam and U Kyaw was held at the Old Secretariat conference hall during which the former proposed that Myanmar too open a 'visa on arrival' office at Myanmar to ease existing travel restrictions as manipur had already initiated relevant procedures to set up similar facility in the state.

In response, U Kyaw conveyed that the Myanmar Government is considering to open a Myanmar Consulate General office in Manipur at the earliest.