Govt waiting for feasibility report on proposed enhancement of Riangdo power project: Mondal

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 23, 2024

Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal said that the Riangdo power project is an on-going power project and work is going on.

He said the idea was for 3 megawatts in the first phase and if funds are available later on, the department would further go for enhancement. Accordingly, some components of the work are completed and some are yet to be completed. The penstock work and power house – these are not done yet.

“So, we have asked MePDCL to study and they came up with an idea that we can go for 6MW as per the water available there, it is possible. So, we asked and they have prepared the detailed project report (DPR),” Mondal informed.

“We have also requested NTPC to look into this matter and they too said that it is possible and ultimately the whole thing including estimation and everything, we have sent to a reputed institute IIT Roorkee. In the meantime, it has come back. So, if it is feasible, we will go for augmentation for 6MW with minimal extra work. Of course, the cost will increase for penstock, turbine, powerhouse and subsequently the transmissions and road works and all these things. Wire is completed at the present set up. Channel is almost done but provision is there for enhancement and that is why we are thinking for enhancement. Wires have to be increased a little bit,” he added.

The minister said, “Earlier it was a project of 1.5×2, now we are thinking we are thinking it should be 3×2, so the turbine will remain the same – two numbers, so that will again will minimize the extension of power house because if we go for initial ideas 1.5×4, that means we will have to increase the powerhouse. So we are thinking that it should be 3×2 so that the powerhouse remains the same. This is the present position as far as the Riangdo power project is concerned.”

Asked, Mondal said, “If it is not feasible, we will go ahead with the present thing, if it is possible then we will go for this enhancement.”

“Now we are waiting for this feasibility report. If it comes, we will study it and we will have to see funding and we are hopeful that we will get funding from our own resources and if it can be done then will go for further works if it is not feasible then immediately will start the remaining work,” he added.

The cost for the 3 MW power project is Rs 40 crore plus.