Reported by Henry L Khojol
Aizwal: Mizoram is planning to develop a 132 MW hydroelectric power project on the Tuivai River in Saitual district, near the Manipur border, in an effort to enhance the state’s power generation capacity amid rising electricity demand, official sources said.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma chaired a high-level review meeting on Wednesday at the Chief Minister’s Office to expedite the proposed project. Power Minister F. Rodingliana and senior officials of the Power and Electricity Department were also present.
Officials said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project has been completed, and the proposal is now ready for the tendering process. The government is considering execution of the project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
At present, Mizoram’s peak power demand is around 182 MW and is projected to rise to about 213 MW by 2030, according to the 20th Electric Power Survey. Despite an installed generation capacity of 50.20 MW, actual local generation remains limited, meeting only about 10 percent of the state’s requirement, officials said.
The state currently spends nearly Rs 649.54 crore annually on power purchase, excluding transmission costs, prompting the government to prioritize expansion of domestic power generation capacity.
The Tuivai Hydroelectric Project was initially surveyed by the Central Water Commission in 1992 with an estimated capacity of 210 MW. However, the design was later revised after part of the proposed dam area was found to extend into neighbouring Manipur, leading to a reduced capacity plan of 132 MW.
As per the revised DPR, the project is estimated to cost Rs 2,289.50 crore and is expected to be completed within five years.
The meeting also discussed annual funding requirements in consultation with the Finance Department.
Alongside the Tuivai project, the review also assessed progress on the ongoing Tuirini Hydroelectric Project and implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
Officials also deliberated on key issues to be taken up with the Union Power Minister during his upcoming visit to Mizoram.