Meghalaya to set up coal-based thermal plant

Shillong, June 5: The Meghalaya government is set to generate coal-based thermal plant to suffice the power requirement in the state, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Power Dr Mukul M Sangma said.

''Establishing a thermal power plant takes less time as there is no question of unforeseen geographical conditions as in case of hydro projects,'' Dr Sangma said told newspersons here today.

He said the power department had identified West and South Garo Hills districts as potential areas for establishing thermal power plants with a capacity of 2000 MW.

''The thermal projects, if becomes a reality, will need best quality coal and for that we should not look for outside supply as we have plenty of coal reserves in the State,'' Dr Sangma said.

Earlier, Principal Secretary of Power B K Dev Verma had said the first coal-based thermal power project will be soon set up at Nangalbibra in South Garo Hills district.

The thermal project would be taken up by the North East Electric Power Corporation(NEEPCO).

The power production of the project is expected to be around 240 MW. With Garo Hills having sufficient coal reserves, the power production can be expected to be 1,000 MW or more on a long-term basis.

Mr Verma said the setting up of the power project would save the state's treasury department from purchasing expensive power from outside in years of scanty rainfall.

He said the National Committee on Environmental Planning and Co-ordination of Department of Science and Technology has already given its clearance to the state government to kick-start the project.

NEEPCO officials here said the preparation of feasibility reports for setting up of coal-based thermal projects in West Khasi Hills (240 MW), Garo Hills (720 MW) in Meghalaya is on in full-swing.

UNI