Asom to rope in private parties to power sector

Guwahati, Apr 5 (UNI) Asom plans to rope in private investors into the power sector through its new power policy to effectively cope with the acute power shortage in the state.

Speaking to reporters here today, Member Finance and spokesperson of the Assam State Electricity Board(ASEB) A K Sachan said as per the new power policy, small hydel sites would be identified in the state by a joint venture company dealing with the entire exercise.

''Once the sites are identified, project reports would be prepared along with forest and environment clearances. After that, settlements regarding the tariff would be made with interested private parties,'' Mr Sachan informed.

Referring to a few feasible sites, the ASEB spokesperson said the board has already received 14 bids for the coal-based Chandrapur project near Guwahati. The deal is likely to be finalized within a couple of weeks.

Two small hydel projects, one at Dhansiri(20 MW) and another at Digaru(2 MW) are also in for transfer to private hands.

''The 150 MW hydel project at Lower Kopili in NC Hills district had been given to NEEPCO sometime in 1992, but it was unable to do much. So the government decided to take it back. We are preparing a project report on it. The project is also expected to be leased out,'' he said.

However, to avoid intermediate hassles in the exercise, the government would first prepare the project and feasibility reports of the proposed sites before calling for the bids,'' Mr Sachan informed.

UNI