Meghalaya’s Former CM Mukul Sangma Demands Probe into Ganol Hydro Project, Questions over 65% Rise in Project Cost in 11 Years

The project cost has shot up by over 65% from Rs 356.43 crore in 2014 to Rs 590.88 crore in 2025

In a sharp attack on alleged financial irregularities plaguing the Ganol Hydro Electric Project, Leader of the Opposition and former Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has demanded an immediate independent investigation, including a social audit, into what he termed as potential misuse of public funds and abuse of authority.

The demand comes amid mounting concerns over transparency and governance failures in major infrastructure projects in Meghalaya.

Sangma expressed deep scepticism over the dramatic rise in the project’s cost—from Rs 356.43 crore in 2014 to Rs 590.88 crore in 2025—calling it “deeply questionable” and suggestive of manipulation.

Conceptualised in 2007, the project has seen repeated cost escalations: Rs 507.71 crore in 2019 due to quantity revisions, Rs 535 crore in 2023, and now Rs 590.88 crore. Sangma questioned how the same contractor, who initially agreed to a lower cost, continued the project without protest until a “new opening” under the current government allowed inflated cost adjustments.

“How is it possible for a power project to undergo such frequent and sharp cost revisions?” he asked, warning that such practices could set dangerous precedents across the country.

He also criticised the government’s silence on inflated coal extraction figures citing a jump from 2–3 lakh MT to 32 lakh MT and accused the administration of remaining in denial.

Sangma further asserted that a scam “cannot be ruled out” and emphasised the urgent need for accountability to restore public trust in governance and infrastructure development.

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