A 10-member delegation from Nagaland's Department of New and Renewable Energy, led by Adviser Picto Shohe, completed a two-day study visit to Tripura last week to learn from the state's renewable energy programmes, with a focus on the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) scheme. The visit, confirmed by officials on Monday, 29 June, signals a concerted push by Nagaland to deepen inter-state clean energy cooperation across the Northeastern region.

High-Level Meetings and Bilateral Discussions

Adviser Picto Shohe met Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath during the visit to discuss avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the renewable energy sector. Minister Nath noted that the engagement offered a meaningful platform to share best practices and explore new pathways for sustainable development, particularly in renewable energy and public welfare.

The delegation also participated in a review meeting chaired by Tripura Power Secretary Abhishek Chandra, attended by TREDA Director Debabrata Sukla Das and other senior officials. Discussions covered project implementation, policy initiatives, financing mechanisms, and inter-state collaboration opportunities.

Renewable Energy Installations Inspected

The team — comprising Secretary Linda Solo, Director Er. James Khala, and other departmental officials — visited several installations developed by the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA). Projects inspected included:

Off-grid solar water pumping systems; solarisation of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps; an 80-kWp grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant under the Virtual Net Metering Arrangement; a community solar water purification plant; solar high-mast and street lighting systems; a 500-kWp grid-connected solar PV power plant developed under the RESCO model at Tripura University; a biogas plant at the Ramakrishna Mission Complex in Amtali; and a 100-kW solar power plant at the Integrated Check Post (Land Port) in Agartala.

Ground-Level Learning at Gram Panchayats

At Sathdubai Gram Panchayat and Rangacherra Gram Panchayat, the delegation interacted directly with officials and beneficiaries to understand the on-ground implementation of off-grid solar water pumps, solarised irrigation systems, and the Green Village initiative, including the operation of a community solar water purification plant. The Nagaland team reportedly appreciated Tripura's achievements in sustainable irrigation, clean drinking water, rural electrification, and community infrastructure.

Academic Collaboration on the Agenda

On the second day, the delegation met Tripura University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shyamal Das to explore collaboration in renewable energy awareness, research, skill development, and capacity-building programmes for the Northeastern region. The team also inspected the university's solar power plant and the biogas facility at the Ramakrishna Mission Complex, Amtali.

This visit marks a notable step in Northeast India's emerging model of inter-state energy diplomacy, with Tripura increasingly positioning itself as a knowledge hub for renewable energy adoption. Whether Nagaland translates these learnings into on-ground implementation will be closely watched in the months ahead.