GUWAHATI, Jan 13 � Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today formally dedicated to the people the 37.2-MW Lakwa Waste Heat Recovery Project, and said that the State Government was according top priority on attaining self-reliance in power. The project is an addition to the Lakwa Thermal Power Project in Sivasagar district.
An official release said that the Chief Minister in his speech mentioned the ambitious power reform being implemented with ADB assistance since the past decade.
The power reform involves Rs 2,000 crore from ADB besides Rs 1,000 crore of the State Government.
Stressing the need for power generation, the Chief Minister said that power was the main driver of the economy as sectors like trade and industry, communication, health, agriculture, etc., were largely dependent on adequate power supply.
Advocating big dams for power generation, the Chief Minister termed as motivated the anti-big dam movement in the State, saying that dams were essential for power and overall development of the State.
Power Minister Pradyut Bardoloi, in his address, gave an account of the various initiatives taken by the State Government for boosting the power scenario. He said that while work on the Bongaigaon Thermal Power Project was on in full swing, the Government was soon going to start a new 500-MW project at Margherita. Also on the offing were the 150-MW Lower Kapili, and the 240-MW Kiling hydel projects.
