Dimapur, Nov 17 (MExN): The Association of Power Engineers Nagaland, reasserting that hydro power development in the state should remain within the control of the state, feasible arrangements for running of potential hydro electric projects can be made possible only through a joint venture between the state and interested private parties. It also clarified that in its memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister on November 9, the body had objected to handing over of potential Hydro-electric projects in the state to Central Power Sector Units (CPSUs) and not against privatization.
“This was interpreted in some sections of the media as APEN being against privatization of power projects. APEN would like to clarify in the larger interest of the public that it is not against privatization but against handing over of complete control of our limited water resources for power generation to the CPSUs in its present terms ad conditions” a clarification from the association through its President TS Angami and General Secretary Tiameren Walling stated.
The APEN while highlighting its earlier arguments citied the instance of the Government of Nagaland and NHPC, a CPSU, undertaking. The two had disagreements on a “certain issue” on which the APEN felt that the stand taken by the government was correct and justified. However, instead of settling the issue amicably, NHPC unilaterally discontinued its power supply (from Loktak HEP) to Nagaland with effect from September 2006 to force the state government to comply with their (NHPC) terms. “If other CPSUs do the same tomorrow, where do we stand?” the power chiefs queried. “In view of the above, with a projected demand of 200 MW within the next few years, can Nagaland afford to give away control of its limited water resources to other entities with so little benefits and also become a hostage to their dictates? It must be clearly understood that Nagaland does not have potential for coal-based thermal power generation. Gas-based thermal power generation, if any, is also in the uncertain distant future only” the APEN observed.
Therefore, for the state’s energy security, power from any hydro power development in Nagaland should remain within the control of the state so that it has first claim to its full power generation and only the surplus power, if any, be sold/exported outside, the APEN explained. “Such an arrangement can be possible through a joint venture of the state government and the interested parties (CPSUs or other private firms) on mutually acceptable terms and conditions” the APEN stated.
