Kenye virtually inaugurates hydro project at Salomi village

Nagaland minister for power and parliamentary affairs, KG Kenye, on Thursday virtually inaugurated the 1 MW Ponglefo Small Hydro Electric Project (SHP) located at Salomi village under Kiphire district.
The Ponglefo SHP is a run-of-the-river scheme constructed on the Likimo River, a tributary of the Tizu River. The plant comprises two generating units of 500 KW each, equipped with horizontal Francis turbines, and is projected to generate approximately 3.9 million units (MU) of electricity annually. Developed by department of power, the project aims to bolster the state’s renewable energy capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The funding was jointly provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the North Eastern Council (NEC), and the Government of Nagaland. The virtual inauguration ceremony was held at the NIC Conference Hall, Civil Secretariat, Kohima while the advisor for Fire & Emergency Services, Home Guards & Civil Defence, S Kiusumew Yimchunger was at the site of the SHP.
In his inaugural address, Kenye described the commissioning of the project as a “red-letter day” for the department of power and the people of Nagaland. He said that the successful implementation of the project was a testament to the State’s commitment to harnessing clean and renewable sources of energy.
Kenye expressed gratitude to chief minister Neiphiu Rio and the state government, particularly Finance department, for their support. He acknowledged that the project would not have materialised without the special attention and financial backing from the state’s leadership.
Highlighting the importance of energy in contemporary society, Kenye said that power had become indispensable in every aspect of modern life—from charging mobile phones to running industries and even powering space technology. He emphasized that energy was not just a utility, but the driving force behind technological advancement, economic growth, and quality of life.
The minister also pointed out that Nagaland, being one of the world’s five biodiversity hotspots, possessed vast untapped natural resources.
He stressed the need for the State to explore its hydro, solar, biomass, and other clean energy potentials more aggressively.
Kenye said the government would continue to prioritise small and mini hydroelectric projects as part of its long-term energy strategy.
The minister welcomed investment and collaboration from national and international stakeholders in Nagaland’s energy sector. He said that the State was open to partnerships aimed at scaling up energy production.
Kenye acknowledged the contributions of departmental engineers, technical staff, labourers, and public leaders, as well as the landowners and villagers of Salomi, for their cooperation in making the project a success.
He extended special thanks to the Salomi Village Council, its chairman, the GBs, and the local administration, including Advisor Kiusumew Yimchunger, for their active involvement and leadership throughout the project’s execution.
At the programme, chief engineer of the power department, Er Kasho Chishi, presented a technical report, detailing the specifications and design of the project.
Earlier, minister Kenye unveiled the commemorative plaque and switched on the project’s turbine system, marking the official commissioning of the 1 MW hydroelectric facility.
The inaugural programme was attended by finance commissioner Sentiyanger, and other officials from the power department.
The Ponglefo SHP is expected to significantly contribute to rural electrification and sustainable development in the region, while also serving as a model for future small-scale renewable energy initiatives in the State.