Govt trying to minimize chances of going for power shutdown this year: Power Minister

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 6, 2024

Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal on Tuesday said the state is in a very comfortable position so far as the power scenario is concerned.

Speaking to reporters, Mondal said, “Our generation is dependent on hydro power projects and entitlements from the central generation units that are there but we are still in a very comfortable position.”

He added, “However, we are reviewing (the power scenario) almost every week and we are trying to see how much we can minimize and how we can see that we are not going for shutdown or loadshedding.”

The minister informed that a 3 megawatt hydel power project at Riangdo in West Khasi Hills is being implemented in order to generate additional power.

“There are some expert opinions that we can also convert this project to 6MW and we are just reviewing the matter,” he said.

Mondal said that the detailed project reports (DPRs) are also being prepared for implementation of other mini hydel power projects. “We are now looking at the feasibility and also the funding patterns,” he said.

The minister also informed that a tender has been called for implementation of the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission.

“Let us see how the response comes. This will not be a solar park or solar plant. Individual households will be provided with rooftop solar panels. Wherever it is feasible people will take but leaving Shillong and some of its areas, other parts we receive very good sunshines,” he added.