Asian Development Bank to invest in NE power projects

Aizawl, Jan 17: After laying out city development project in five major towns of North East, Asian Development Bank (ADB) would be investing in power sector of the region hugely.

According to the ADB sources here, it is estimated that the region has huge reserves of hydroelectric power potential of 33,140 MW. Where as only 20 hydro-electric schemes with an aggregated installed capacity of 1178.7 MW are currently operational.

In addition, 89 small hydro schemes with total installed capacity of 152 MW are in operation. At least 46 potential hydro-projects with an aggregate installed capacity of 30,959 MW are being considered during 12th Plan, sources said.

ADB is currently working in development of infrastructure projects in NE.

ADB and the Ministry Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) are working on several projects Dollar 400 million two-phase North Eastern Urban Development Project.

ADB would also be investing in the North Eastern Trade and Investment Creation Initiative and has already sanctioned 0.6 million dollar for technical assistance to develop an investment framework, sources added.

UNI