Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 555/12

CONFERENCE ON EMPOWERING THE NORTH EAST HELD

Shillong, December 5, 2012: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Mr Bindo M Lanong inaugurated the Seminar on “Empowering the North East – Overcoming Challenges in Development of the Power Sector in the North East of India” at Hotel Pinewood, Shillong on 5th December 2012. The programme was organized by IPPAI in collaboration with Ministry of Power, Government of India supported by Government of Meghalaya, Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission and Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for the states of Manipur and Mizoram. The programme will benefit the power producers, project developers, investors, utilities and key stake holders in the north eastern states.

In his speech Mr. Bindo Lanong said that the state has huge deposits of coal and limestone extending from East Jaintia Hills to West Garo Hills District which facilitates scope for industrialization and power generation. Moreover, the state has good climate, better law and order situation comparatively and friendly local people who can contribute to the development of power sector in the state by imparting planned and well equipped training required for the project to be implemented in the state. Mr. Lanong also stressed for a judicious and transparent approach to industrialization since people are obsessed with industrialization. He admitted that militancy exists in North East and disrupts the development of the region but stated that regulatory framework is present to regulate the smooth functioning of the system.

Meghalaya Chief Secretary, W M S Pariat said that the issue highlighted in the seminar that North East - a power hub of the country as well as for the whole of South East Asia is welcome step for the region. Moreover, due to the differences in the land tenure system of the state he felt the need to take local sensitivities into consideration while taking up the power project in the region. Mr. Pariat also informed that the state government is taking pro-active role in trying to ensure the land required by power project is acquired. With regard to the delay in implementation of the power project in the state, he said that preparation of DPR takes time and geographical condition and transport and communication are hindrances which add to the delay.

Mr. Harry Dhaul, Director General, IPPAI mentioned about the enormous hydro-power potential in North East which if tap will reduce power shortage in mainland India and South East Asia as well. Added to this, north east is enriched with oil, natural gas, coal, tourism industry which can generate employment for the local people.

Others who spoke on the occasion are P C Pankaj, Chairman and Managing Director, NEEPCO, Jayant Kawale, MD, Hydro & Renewables, Jindal Power Ltd., Jyotirmoy Chakravarty, Additional DGP, Government of Assam, S I Longkumer, Chairman, Nagaland Electricity Regulatory Commission, Anand Kumar, Chairman, Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission and Jitesh Khosla, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Assam.