Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma chaired a review meeting on Wednesday at his office to assess the progress of the 132-Megawatt Tuivai Hydro-electric Power Project. The meeting was attended by Power Minister F Rodingliana and officials from the power and electricity department.
Project Ready for Tendering
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Tuivai Project has been completed, and the project is now ready for tendering. Efforts are underway to implement the project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode, which is expected to attract private investment and expertise.
Current Power Scenario in Mizoram
At present, Mizoram's peak power demand stands at 182 MW. According to the 20th Electric Power Survey, the state's peak power demand is projected to rise to approximately 213 MW by 2030. The state government currently has an installed power generation capacity of 50.20 MW, though actual generation remains considerably lower. As a result, only about 10 percent of the state's total power requirement is generated within Mizoram.
The state spends approximately Rs 649.54 crore annually on power purchases, excluding transmission charges. In view of this, the state government considers the expansion of local power generation capacity to be a matter of great importance.
History and Redesign of Tuivai Project
The Tuivai Hydro-electric Project was initially surveyed by the Central Water Commission (CWC) in 1992 with an estimated generation potential of 210 MW. However, as part of the proposed dam area would extend into Manipur, the project was subsequently re-surveyed and redesigned. A revised DPR was prepared for a 132-MW power generation capacity.
Cost and Timeline
According to the DPR, the project is estimated to cost Rs 2,289.50 crore and is targeted for completion within five years. The meeting decided that the annual financial requirements for implementation of the project would be examined in consultation with the Finance Department.
Other Projects Reviewed
Apart from the Tuivai Project, the meeting reviewed the ongoing Tuirini Project and works being carried out under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Discussions were held on issues to be taken up with the Union Power Minister during his forthcoming visit to Mizoram.
