Meghalaya’s Power Worries: Land Issues Stall Meghalaya’s 85 MW Wah Umiam III Hydropower Project, Several MOUs Pending for Over 10 Years: Power Minister AT Mondal

Meghalaya Power Minister AT Mondal has revealed that the implementation of the 85 MW Wah Umiam III Hydroelectric Project in Nongbah Phali.

Meghalaya Power Minister AT Mondal has revealed that the implementation of the 85 MW Wah Umiam III Hydroelectric Project in Nongbah Phali, East Khasi Hills, has been delayed due to unresolved land disputes.

The project, to be executed by North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO), is strategically located between the Shella and Mawsynram constituencies.

Minister stated, “With electricity demand on the rise, the state government is actively working towards expanding its hydropower capacity. Under Meghalaya’s new power policy, private investment is being encouraged to ensure the availability of energy at competitive rates. The policy guarantees the state 12 percent free power from hydropower projects, along with an additional one percent for local area development.”

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for small hydel projects have been pending for over a decade. However, renewed interest from private investors is expected to drive progress in the sector.

Currently, Meghalaya generates 367.50 MW of electricity from various hydel projects, including Umiam, Myntdu-Leshka, New Umtru, and Ganol. The government is optimistic that resolving land-related challenges will help expedite stalled projects and boost the state’s power production.

Also Read: Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma Meets Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Seeks Help in Releasing 2023-24 MNREGA Wages

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