DoPN WARNS PROJECT DEADLINE TO EXPIRE BY MARCH 2025
Department of Power, Nagaland (DoPN), conducted a stakeholders consultative meeting Monday at Hotel Saramati over the issue of the proposed 186 MW Dikhu Hydro Electric Project (HEP) with representatives of Business Association of Nagas (BAN) and three prominent student bodies: Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), Konyak Students Union (KSU)
Phom Students Union(PSU) The meeting was crucial as the project, which spans Mon, Longleng, and Mokokchung districts, has faced delays due to objections from a few villages.
Hydro Strategist Er Moa Aier who spoke with media persons after the meeting, shed light on the project’s history and current status. He revealed that the initial proposal in the 1990s aimed for 120 MW, later revised to 140 MW but rejected by the department. The current proposal, formalized with a Memorandum of Understanding in 2009, targets a capacity of 186 MW. This project is a joint venture between DoPN and Manu Energy Systems Pvt Ltd, with equity shares of 24% and 76%, respectively, and at an estimated cost of Rs. 19,000 crores.
Er. Aier emphasized the urgency of the project, noting that it must be implemented by March 2025 to avoid closure. He emphasised its crucial role to meet Nagaland’s peak power demand of 180 MW as the proposed Dikhu HEP is to generate 180-185 MW during summer (peak time) and 40-50 MW in winter, when power generation typically decreases for all hydro projects. On the project’s impact, Er.Aier informed that approximately 2000 hectares would be affected, although no inhabited villages would be submerged. Inhabited villages are located 2-3 km from the submerging areas. Some paddy fields in two villages would be impacted, but Er.Aier noted that these are smaller in size, and a comprehensive survey is pending to determine the full extent.
On environmental concerns, Er.Aier stated that the department plans to draft an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), conduct public hearings, and address environmental issues before obtaining clearance. He stressed that hydroelectric power is a cleaner and renewable energy source compared to coal-based thermal power. He also highlighted the ongoing consultations with village councils, district administration, and apex tribal bodies in the affected districts. However, many stakeholders are seeking further discussions to fully understand the project’s implications, he said.
Chief Engineer (DnR and HoD) Wabangmeren Jamir explained that opposition from some villages is rooted in traditional landholding systems rather than land compensation issues. Chief Engineer (Transmission and Generation) Kasho Chishi mentioned that revenue sharing would be based on the investment ratio.
AKM President Lanutoshi Aier underscored the potential benefits of the project for the affected villages and the broader region. He cited gains in entrepreneurship and tourism, similar to the positive impact of the Doyang hydro project on local communities.
Lanutoshi also discussed plans by DoPN to improve infrastructure, including new roads and bridges, which would enhance connectivity and support the project’s implementation.
He appealed to all villages involved to support the project for the greater good of the state and the districts. Lanutoshi warned that history would not be kind if the project were stopped due to opposition from a few villages but assured that support would be provided if the project jeopardized any village. He called for a proper survey to be conducted and urged understanding that the project is a sacrifice for the state’s benefit.
KSU President Temwang Konyak echoed these sentiments, calling the project a great opportunity and stressing its benefits for landowners and the broader community across the three districts and beyond. Meanwhile, PSU President Dape Phom acknowledged that two villages opposed the project but stated that the student body would stand by the decision of the tribal council. Despite the opposition, Phom recognized the overall benefits of the project.
The meeting concluded with a call for unity and cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the Dikhu HEP. The project promises to bring significant advancements in infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and overall development for the involved districts and Nagaland as a whole.