Need to look up small-scale power sources too: PM

New Delhi, Jun 20 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today emphasised the need for investing in local and small-scale sources of power generation and transmission while continuing to invest in large thermal, hydro and nuclear power systems.

''A large sub-continental economy like ours, with a diverse portfolio of natural resources and physical endowments, must walk on two legs in addressing the growing demand for power,'' he said dedicating the East-North Tala Power Transmission System to the nation here.

''I am of course aware that there are concerns pertaining to ecology and rehabilitation and resettlement in the case of large hydroelectric projects. I am fully cognisant of such concerns and they must be addressed. I do sincerely believe that it is possible for us to take care of our people and our environment while undertaking hydropower projects.'' It was precisely to address such concerns that Union Power Ministry was constituting a Task Force on Hydro Power, Dr Singh said.

The time had come for us to address the challenge on the energy front on a war-footing. Availability of quality power at affordable cost has emerged as the most important constraint on the pace of our development. The complacency of the past, be it with regard to conventional or non-conventional sources of power, or indeed nuclear power, must come to an end, he said.

''The people of our country are not going to wait endlessly for us to sort out our administrative, political and theological problems.'' Talking about the Tala hydropower project, the Prime Minster said it was also a symbol of the potential of hydropower.

Hydropower was clean and renewable. We must tap the energy in our river systems in this region more effectively and more efficiently.

This could be done to the benefit of all countries in the region. It was a win-win model of cooperation, he said.

''I am delighted to be associated today with the dedication to our Nation of the Tala Transmission System. The Tala Hydro electric project and the Tala Transmission System are of immense national significance. Not just because they signify availability of additional electric power but more so because they are important symbols of regional economic cooperation in South Asia.'' ''They are shining examples of what can be achieved if nations in this region work hand in hand to achieve our common development objectives.'' On the occasion the Prime Minister also conveyed to the Bhutanese people and its King India's sincere and warm greetings and gratitude.

India-Bhutan cooperation had emerged as a great symbol of good neighbourliness. Warm and close relations that the people of India and Bhutan had for centuries, had been further strengthened in recent years through extensive cooperation in many fields of development. India was privileged that it had the opportunity to play a positive and helpful role in Bhutan's accelerated development in recent years, Dr Singh said.

Our two countries were committed to promote cooperation in diverse fields to our common mutual benefit. The Tala Hydroelectric project and the Tala Transmission System symbolised our resolve to find new pathways of regional cooperation for sustainable development in our region, he said.

''I do hope that we can replicate our highly successful, win-win model of bilateral cooperation with Bhutan in the power sector with Nepal too,'' he hoped.

UNI