SHILLONG, Dec 12 � Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong inaugurated a seminar on �Empowering the North East � overcoming challenges in development of the Power sector in the North East of India� here recently.
The programme was organised by IPPAI in collaboration with Union Ministry of Power and supported by Government of Meghalaya, Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission. The programme will benefit the power producers, project developers, investors and key stakeholders in the Northeastern States.
In his speech, Lanong said that the State has huge deposits of coal and limestone extending from East Jaintia Hills to West Garo Hills district which facilitates scope for industrialisation and power generation. Moreover, the State has good climate, better law and order situation comparatively and friendly local people who can contribute to the development of power sector in the State.
Lanong also stressed for judicious and transparent approach to industrialisation since people are obsessed with industrialisation. He, however, admitted that militancy exists and disrupts the development of the Northeastern region.
Meghalaya Chief Secretary, WMS Pariat said that the issue highlighted in the seminar that North East � a power hub of the country as well as for the whole of South East Asia is a welcome step for the region. Moreover, due to the differences in the land tenure system of the State, he felt the need to take local sensitivities into consideration while taking up power projects in the region.
Pariat informed that the State Government is taking pro-active role to ensure that the land required by the power project is acquired. With regard to the delay in the implementation of the power projects in the State, he said that preparation of DPRs take time and geographical condition and transport and communication are hindrances which add to the delay.
Director General, IPPAI, Harry Dhaul mentioned about the enormous hydro-power potential in North East, which, if tapped, will reduce the power shortage in mainland India and South East Asia as well. Added to this, North East is enriched with oil, natural gas, coal, tourism potentials which can generate employment for the local people.
Others who spoke on the occasion were CMD NEEPO, PC Pankaj, MD, Hydro and Renewables, Jindal Power Ltd., Jyotirmoy Chakravarty, Chairman of Nagaland Electricity Regulatory Commission, SI Longkumer, Chairman, Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Anand Kumar and Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, Jitesh Khosla.
In 2010, Raju had purchased a plot of land at Uttam Nagar and purchased another property in Jeevan Park. � PTI
