Aizawl, Jan 19 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, officially inaugurated the foundation stone for the 24 MW Tuirini Small Hydro Electricity Power Project in the Aizawl district on Monday. This initiative will be realized as an Externally Aided Project, supported by a loan from the Shanghai-based New Development Bank (NDB).

According to officials, the project is slated to be constructed along the banks of the Tuirini River with an overall investment of Rs 676.98 crore.

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister highlighted that a 10 MW Thenzawl Solar Power Plant was inaugurated last month, while the 5 MW solar power plant at Sumsuih is currently under construction, with approximately 20% of the work completed. Both the Thenzawl and Sumsuih solar projects are entirely owned by the state government.

Discussing upcoming power initiatives, CM Lalduhoma mentioned that the Central Water Commission (CWC) had originally designed the Tuivai Hydro Electric Project with a capacity of 210 MW. However, due to the potential flooding of certain areas in neighboring Manipur, the capacity was adjusted to 132 MW.

He added that the Department of Economic Affairs under the Union Finance Ministry has given the green light for the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), the selection of an appropriate private developer, issuance of tenders, and signing agreements by the state government.

For these efforts, Rs 2.3 crore has been allocated for engaging a transaction adviser from a globally recognized firm. The DPR is now finalized, and construction of the dam can begin once financial arrangements are confirmed.

Additionally, CM Lalduhoma stated that the proposed Tlawng Hydro Project is under review by the CWC. The vital geological investigation work has been assigned to M/s Benjamin Lalparmawia, Hlimen, following a work order issued on January 3, 2023. The DPR for the Tlawng Hydro Project is expected to be completed by September 2026.

To boost solar power production, CM Lalduhoma announced that an Expression of Interest (EOI) has been released for private developers to establish solar power facilities at five distinct locations, with developer selection anticipated soon.

The targeted locations include Tumtuitlang, Serchhip Vengchung Bawkmual, Hmunhmeltha-Denlung area, Hnahthial, Tlabung Tlang, Lallen, Dawhzau Zau, and Lamzawl. Furthermore, 75 Village Councils have already provided written consent to offer land within their areas for solar plant installations. The government plans to advance these projects in phases.

To date, 791 rooftop solar installations have been completed across the state, yielding a combined installed capacity of approximately 2.62 MW. This achievement was facilitated by a 60% Central subsidy and an additional 20-25% state subsidy, varying by location.

The Chief Minister also mentioned a planned Pump Storage Project at Tuichang Lui, adjacent to the Vankal Solar Park. This initiative aims to pump water to higher elevations during low demand periods and generate electricity during peak demand times or sell power through trading.

CM Lalduhoma acknowledged that while Mizoram is not yet fully self-sufficient in power generation, the state has established long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with central generating stations.

At times, when the state cannot fully utilize its allocated share, surplus power becomes available for trading, particularly during daylight or late-night hours. The Mizoram government consistently pays its power bills punctually, which enables it to sell surplus power. He noted that delays exceeding 70 days from the invoice date could result in restrictions from the North Eastern Regional Load Despatch Centre (NERLDC).

Because the state reliably clears its dues promptly, it benefits from rebates and enjoys unrestricted power trading, the Chief Minister concluded.

Present at the event were State Home Minister K. Sapdanga, Power and Electricity Minister F. Rodingliana, and Information and Public Relations Minister B. Lalchhanzova.