- IPDS under implementation: EEs
By Pradeep Kumar
NAHARLAGUN, Jun 29: Arunachal Pradesh boasts of 57,000-MW hydropower estimated by Central Electricity Authority and dubbed as future power house of India, but dismal power scenario of its Capital Complex even 34 years after attending statehood is surprising. Lack of adequate funds of this resource-poor state and desire of those who matter could be attributed to the prevailing situation.
But present GoAP has been taking bold steps to improve power scenario, The state had added another feather in its development trajectory with commissioning of 24-MW Dikshi Hydroelectric Project at Rupa in West Kameng district with its inauguration by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on 13.09.19 in presence of DyCM Chowna Mein, MLAs Phurpa Tsering, Jambey Tashi, Dorjee Wangdi, Tsering Tashi, Dongru Siongju and among others.
Khandu, in his address, appreciating locals had said such support is need of the hour to make Arunachal a power surplus and power exporting state. Arunachal is known as power house of the nation and if hydro potential is utilized fully, it could change the economic scenario of the state, he had said.
While reflecting his commitment, he said that the GoAP has already terminated 22 projects of 3800-MW for its non performance while another 46 more with approximately 8000-MW have been served notices. He disclosed that the GoAP has been exploring more potential hydro projects in the district and PSUs and serious individual private power developer, like Devi Energies Private Limited, implementer of this project, would be given priority for executing these projects.
However, executive engineers (electrical) of Itanagar and Naharlagun divisions, when contacted told this daily on Monday, that the central integrated power development scheme (IPDS) in under implementation on mission mode, whose completion would ensure street lights and power supply to all residents of Capital Complex.
Installation of total 1,200 high transmission (HT) and 900 low transmission (LT) poles is on the verge of completion to revolutionize power supply in Naharlagun, said its EE (E) Janu Tayeng, adding the local contractor T Bagang has been working with commitment for last one year.
When asked Bagang busy on the sport in laying cable, said that he had engaged about 30 workers initially but many of them left due to killer COVID-19 impact which delayed the work. However, it would be done soon, he added.
Pointing out that about 80% of about 21,000 HT and LT poles have been installed in various parts of Itanagar area for transmission of electricity, said EE Joram Lali.
Kaho a success story
It is worth mentioning to recall here that remote Kaho, along Indo-China-Myanmar border in Anjaw district, is only village in the state credited with 24-hour power availability besides supplying to the Army guarding the inhospitable frontier terrain from a micro hydel project operated by the villagers.
Kaho success story was inked in 2007 by then hydropower development SE R K Joshi (present CE) at the initiative of then DC P S Lokhnde, present planning & finance commissioner. If sheer determination and will power had proved right—‘Where there is a will, there is a way’- then why not in Capital Complex?
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