Planning Commission member advocates storage hydro power projects

Itanagar, Apr 17 (UNI) Planning Commission member Kirit S Parikh today suggested the Arunachal Pradesh government to go for storage projects in the state instead of run of river projects.

For utilising huge power potential of Arunachal Pradesh optimally, storage projects should be favoured instead of run of the river Projects, wherever possible, he commented during a high level meeting with Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu here.

The meeting was attended by Central Electrical Authority (CEA) member Gurdayal Singh and Commissioner, Brahamaputra Board, Narendra Kumar, besides Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary and Power Secretary of the state.

''The environment cost of run of the river project is high and it produces less power during the lean season, '' Dr Parikh added.

Dr Parikh was on a two-day visit to the state capital to sensitise the government and the people on optimum utilisation of water resources of the state, informed official sources.

Mr Khandu said it was disappointing to note that the Central Public Sector Undertakings(PSUs) like NEEPCO and NHPC were not honouring the terms and conditions of the memoranda of understanding (MoUs), signed with the state government.

He also expressed dissatisfaction over slow response of NEEPCO and NHPC towards discharge of social obligations.

The CPSUs should come forward to provide basic amenities like schools, hospitals, roads and job reservations for the people, likely to be affected by the hydro power projects, the Chief Minister added.

Mr Khandu also stated that a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation policy of the state for the project-affected people was being prepared by his government and it would be placed before the Cabinet for approval soon.

UNI UPB SJC SBC KN1828