Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 28 (NPN): Deputy chief minister and minister for Planning & Transformation and National Highway, TR Zeliang on Wednesday said Nagaland’s increasing annual power sector revenue deficit of around Rs. 300 crore remained a major burden for the financially constrained state and stressed the need to shift towards sustainable energy sources to reduce dependence on energy imports.
Addressing a one-day programme on “Climate Smart Nagaland: Advancing Health & Livelihood Resilience” at Hotel Vivor, Kohima, Zeliang said the significance of sustainable energy could not have come at a more crucial time when the world was witnessing the consequences of dependence on fossil fuels amid the ongoing global energy crisis.
The programme was organised by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with SELCO Foundation.
Zeliang stated that Nagaland remained at a nascent stage in many areas despite the state preparing to celebrate its 64th Statehood Day. He said the state’s rugged terrain and lack of connectivity continued to pose major challenges, particularly in the power and energy sector.
He observed that uninterrupted power supply in remote areas was not merely a convenience but a necessity, especially for primary health centres and essential public services. In this regard, he termed the “Energy for Health” initiative implemented by SELCO Foundation in collaboration with the Health & Family Welfare department as commendable, adding that solar-powered interventions across health facilities had demonstrated how sustainable energy solutions could strengthen healthcare delivery in remote regions.
Zeliang further noted that SELCO Foundation’s expertise in clean solar-powered value addition across sectors would greatly benefit Nagaland. He also acknowledged that the initiatives were not limited to healthcare alone, but were also exploring opportunities in livelihoods and community development.
Stressing the importance of collaboration, he said development challenges today could not be addressed in silos and called for integrated approaches and partnerships across sectors, including healthcare, livelihoods, agriculture, women’s empowerment and rural development.
He further appreciated SELCO Foundation for its continued engagement with the state and said public-private partnerships were key to creating meaningful and lasting impact when implemented with community participation and long-term sustainability in mind.
Earlier, Health & Family Welfare secretary S. Tainiu delivered the welcome address, while SELCO Foundation CEO Dr. Haresh Hande highlighted the initiatives of the foundation. The programme also witnessed the launch of the E4H Nagaland programme.
It may be mentioned that SELCO Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland, has enabled decentralised renewable energy solutions across 325 health facilities in Nagaland to strengthen reliable healthcare delivery in remote regions.
A short video was also screened showcasing the impact of the Energy for Health (E4H) programme in the state and the launch of the E4H coffee table book.
A panel discussion on the programme’s achievements, challenges and future plans featured Dr. Kika Longkumer, joint director, DoHFW; Dr. Victor, CMO Noklak; and Dr. Singson, MO, Poilwa PHC.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Mereninla Senlem, principal director DoHFW.
The programme was attended by advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, Keoshu Yimkhiung, advisor for New & Renewable Energy and NSDMA, Nyusietho Nyuthe; Dr. Tseihoutuo Rhutso, MLA; deputy commissioners, government officials from various departments and representatives of NGOs.