Aizawl: The Mizoram government has decided to privatise or outsource seven small hydel power plants due to high maintenance costs, an official of the state Power and Electricity (P&E) department said on Sunday.
The decision was announced by Chief Minister Lalduhoma while inaugurating a 10 MW solar power plant at Thenzawl in Serchhip on Saturday, the official added.
He said the decision was made with the belief that it would benefit the state, as the maintenance costs of the projects are high.
The move, however, was opposed by the opposition Congress. Former Congress legislator T.T. Zothansanga said the decision was detrimental to Mizoram’s interests and unjustifiable given the revenue-generating capacity of the plants.
He added that the move would also impose a heavy cost on the state.
According to Zothansanga, Mizoram currently has around 14 hydroelectric projects with a combined generating capacity of over 100 MW. Of these, nine were built under the Congress government, three under the Mizo National Front (MNF), and two during the People’s Conference regime led by former Chief Minister Brog. T. Sailo.
He claimed that the small power plants, including the 12-MW Serlui-B hydel project in Kolasib district, are generating revenue.
The P&E official said the government would begin construction of two power projects next year: a 24 MW project on the Tuirini river about 60 km from Aizawl, and a 132 MW project on the Tuivai river in Saitual district near the Manipur border.
The proposed 24 MW Tuirini hydel project is estimated to cost Rs. 676 crore, while the 132 MW Tuivai hydel project is estimated at Rs. 2,400 crore and is expected to generate 380 MU of power annually, he said.
Lalduhoma also stated on Saturday that the foundation stone for the 24 MW Tuirini hydel project will be laid soon, and planning for the 132 MW Tuivai hydel project is progressing steadily.
Once completed, Mizoram is expected to achieve substantial energy self-sufficiency, he added.
The Chief Minister further said the state government is planning to construct six more solar parks with a combined generating capacity of 66 MWp in different parts of Mizoram.
Currently, Mizoram has no major power plant and imports power primarily from Tripura to meet its requirements, spending around Rs. 400 crore annually.
Officials said the state’s annual power demand has been increasing at around 7.6%, with peak demand reaching 160 MW.
They added that the state government has been regularly clearing outstanding power dues, earning rebates of over Rs. 6.5 crore between December 2023 and December 2025.
The present Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government, soon after assuming power, decided not to hike power tariffs for five years to ensure affordable energy for all and to benefit economically weaker sections and small entrepreneurs.