ADB to invest in NE Power projects

Shillong, May 29 (UNI) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) would invest in the power sector of the NE Region in a big way, an official statement said today.

It is estimated that the region has huge reserves of hydroelectric power potential of 33,140 MW, whereas only 20 hydroelectric 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 the 12th Plan.

Meanwhile, the ministry of Finance has increased the budgetary support for the financing of key public power projects in the North Eastern Region, including Sikkim, during the current financial year 2007-08.

The Finance Ministry has allocated about Rs 722 crore under this head in the Union Budget for 2007-08, as compared to Rs 522 crore approved during the previous year.

UNI