No.561/2021-2022

Aizawl, the 23rd March 2022: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and the state's Power Minister Pu R.Lalzirliana had an important discussion at the Raj Bhavan, today - on how to increase the electricity generation inside the state.

Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati was informed by the Power Minister Pu R.Lalzirliana that the state generates about 10 MW of electricity inside the state while most of its requirements are purchased from outside the state to meet its daily power requirement of 144 MW at present. Pu R.Lalzirliana also informed Governor that the state has the potential of generating 4000 MW from hydroelectricity alone.

He further explained the reason for not having constructed enough power plants. He said that the state government and the people in the state were always in agreement and share the same aspiration to have power plants constructed in the state. The Power Minister was very clear in his explanation that the previous governments and the current government are facing the same problem, which is the financial constraints for a small state such as Mizoram to take up a huge project like hydroelectricity project.

He said that despite the financial constraints, the state government is trying hard to increase power generation through the construction of mini-hydel projects with a maximum capacity of 24 MW. He revealed that the state Power & Electricity Department has prepared DPRs for Tuirini and Tuivawl Mini-Hydel projects with a capacity of 24 MW each for which they received a green signal from the Chief Minister. He also hinted at the possibilities of exploring the options of getting collaborations with the central public sector units for construction of bigger hydel projects on River Tuivai(210 MW), River Mat - Sekawi(76 MW) and other major rivers.

Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati appreciated the efforts given by the state P&E department. He agreed with the Power Minister on going ahead with the state-owned mini-hydel projects. However, he insisted that more work is need to be done to harness more power to meet the demand. For this, he advised the P&E to work out the plan for collaboration with the CPSUs on the construction of hydel projects. He also suggested constructions of small capacity Solar Plants near the existing power sub-stations to supplements the existing power supply. He suggested that the construction of solar plants near the sub stations will minimize power lost in transmission. He further requested the P&E department to ramp up its awareness campaign among its customers for the viability of solar rooftop installations.

At the request from the Governor, Pu H.Lalengmawia, Commissioner & Secretary, Pu F.Lalrinpuia, Engineer in Chief and Pu J.H.Malsawma, Superintending Engineer(P) from P&E Department gave the briefing on the potential of the state for electricity generation, the ongoing projects, the pending files and the pending projects of 10% GBS with the DoNER Ministry. In this connection, the Power Minister, after explaining that these projects are critical for the state, requested the Governor to pursue the matter with the concerned Ministry.