Tripura seeks foreign ministry's help for Monarchak project

Agartala, Nov 23 (UNI) The Tripura government has sought help from the foreign ministry for commencement of a 740 MW ONGC power project at Monarchak in West Tripura, according to officals here today.

The project was launched by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in October 2005 and had been facing serious problem for transportation of heavy equipment to here since then.

Sources said that Chief Minister Manik Sarkar had requested External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to persuade Bangladesh government for allowing to use the waterways through Ashuganj or Chittagong port.

The weight of each turbine is 300 MT and is 27 metre long, the officials said adding that transportation through road becomes difficult.

Mr Sarkar had also informed the state Chief Secretary would visit New Delhi early next month to discuss the issue with the ministry.

Meanwhile, three MPs of the state have jointly forwarded a memorandum to Petroleum Minister Murli Deora for immediate commencement of the project.

UNI