Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Corporation (LDHC), a Joint Venture between NHPC and Manipur government, has been unable to pick up pace at its 66 MW Loktak downstream hydroelectric power project due to security concerns and lack of proper road connectivity. In a review meeting with the power ministry, NHPC has informed that as per promoter’s agreement, the State government has to provide security and infrastructures such as roads and bridges to enable the Joint Venture Company to commence the construction activities. Though the construction of roads has been taken up by the Manipur state government, but the progress has been slow so far is developing Loktak downstream HEP.
NHPC further informed that security being of prime concern, has been discussed at different forums and at the highest level of state government, but concrete decision is yet to be taken up in this regard. The matter is being pursued regularly with the State government and at different levels of the Central government. The utility informed that meetings have also been conducted with the Chief Minister of the state regarding permanent security at the project site and slow progress of the road.
Without approach roads and security, not much headway can be achieved in development of the project. Updating of the detailed project report related activities are being affected due to inadequate security and road connectivity, NHPC stated.
Meanwhile, defence clearance has also been pending for the Loktak project. The application of LDHC for the clearance was forwarded by the power ministry to the defence ministry in November 2011. The power ministry has also sent two letters in February 2013 and June 2013 requesting the defence ministry expedite the clearance.
Loktak downstream project has been proposed as a run-of-the-river scheme in downstream of already operation Loktak hydroelectric project. The project envisages development of two units of 33 MW each and annual capacity generation of 330.24 million units in a 90 per cent dependable year. The total project cost has been estimated at Rs. 627 crore.
