NHPC to survey State's power feasibility
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 17 2013: With heavy machinery procured to generate power lying either idle or remaining in rusty condition, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, who also holds the Power portfolio, has conceded that service of experts of National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) is needed to reassess whether or not power components of the Khuga, Dolaithabi and Thoubal multi-purpose projects could ever become operational.

The CM's comments came on the sidelines of an inspection visit to Khuga Dam in Churachandpur district today during which he personally assessed ongoing cement concrete walls on both sides of the Dam's right main canal.

Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Ngamthang Haokip, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) convenor MLA DK Korungthang and MLA Ginsuanhau Zou accompanied the Chief Minister during the tour.

Stretching over 60 kilometres, the Dam's right main canal is considered to be the weakest link of the project as cases of the canal collapsing have been reported in the past.

Chief Minister O Ibobi during inauguration

The left canal is said to be 6 km long with both canals providing irrigation water to cultivation sites, mainly paddy plants.

The Dam was also envisioned to provide 5 million gallon of potable water each day in addition to having three turbines of 1.5 megawatt capacity each to generate power.

Inspite of the objective to generate power, all three turbines in the Dam had been remaining idle even though the project was commissioned years ago.

Talking to newspersons during the project inspection, Ibobi conveyed that NHPC experts would be consulted to study feasibility of the power components of Khuga, Dolaithabi and Thoubal projects and asserted that the latter projects are almost completed.

Pointing out that NHPC, also tasked to monitor ongoing work of Loktak Downstream Project, is a corporation approved by the Government of India, the CM maintained that in case the proposed assessment by the NHPC suggest that power generation from the said projects would be possible then the Ministry of Renewable Energy would be approached for financial assistance to procure new machinery for fresh installation at the said projects.

He asserted that all possible measures are being initiated to improve the State's power supply situation.

With regard to the right main canal of Khuga Dam, Ibobi informed that cement works inevitable for strengthening both sides of the main canal are being taken up to ensure that the dam water reach the fields in Bishnupur district.

On priority basis canal strengthening work is on in between the Dam site and 20 kms stretch of the canal which is relatively weaker, mentioned the CM adding that similar works would be undertaken on the left canal.