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DIMAPUR — In an attempt to revive the stalled 186 MW Dikhu Hydro Electric Project (HEP), the Nagaland Power department held a stakeholders meeting in Dimapur on Monday.
It was attended by representatives from the Phom Students’ Conference (PSC), Konyak Students’ Union (KSU), and Ao Kaketshir Mungtang (AKM) -- representing the three districts impacted by the project -- along with the Business Association of Nagaland (BAN) and chambers of commerce and industry from Longleng, Mon and Mokokchung attended the meetng.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Moa Aier, retired Engineer-in-Chief (Power) and current Hydro Strategist for the department, said that meeting was convened as stakeholders have consistently requested more clarity and details.
Aier described the meeting as “positive,” noting that the student bodies would convey the information to their communities for further discussion. He added that the trade bodies had supported the project during the second session and would work out action plans to create more awareness.
Pointing out that the urgency surrounding the project stems from a March 2025 deadline set by the Centre, he said failure to commence the project, which is a joint venture of Manu Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd. (MES) with a 76% stake and 24% stake by the Nagaland government, could lead to foreclosure.
The official addressed concerns about land acquisition and displacement, stating that the project is estimated to cover 2000 hectares but no villages will be directly impacted, as submergence would be limited to the riverbank and surrounding areas. In areas with steep gorges, the water level is expected to rise by 70-100 meters, while in flatter areas, the increase could be 200-300 meters.
Since all villages are situated 2-3 kilometres away from these areas, fears of submergence are unfounded, he said, adding that that rehabilitation and resettlement would not be necessary.
Further, there are concerns that paddy fields in two Longleng district villages may be affected. However, this assessment is based on Google Map simulations as on-ground surveys have not been possible.
Highlighting the potential of Dikhu HEP, Aier said that it could generate 186 MW during peak monsoon season, which can meet Nagaland's current peak demand of 180 MW, but the output would be lower during the winter, which is normal for any hydro project.
On environmental concerns, he said that a draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is being prepared for submission to the Ministry of Environment and Forest. Clearance for the project hinges upon the Ministry's satisfaction with the proposed mitigation measures.
The estimated cost of the project is approximately INR 1900 crore.
Aier stressed the importance of meeting the March 2025 deadline, as its lapse would put the project beyond the state government's control due to the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Manu Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd.
He explained that the state government is unlikely to cancel the MoU since the company is not responsible for the delays. The delays are attributed to local opposition and unwillingness to proceed.
If the project lapses in March, the Techno-economic Clearance (TEC) might not be extended, and without it, no new company or developer could take on the project.
Regarding objections from two Longleng villages, another official responded that their concerns are likely rooted in the traditional land ownership system rather than land compensation.
Meanwhile, the student leaders expressed optimism about the project with Lanutoshi Aier, President of AKM, stating that the project would be beneficial not only for the affected districts but the state as a whole.
He cited the Doyang Hydro project as a successful example, highlighting its emergence as a tourist hotspot.
He also appealed to the two villages in Longleng to await a proper survey before forming conclusions. Emphasising that the department would not proceed with the project if it were found to have severe adverse effects on the villages or the livelihoods of their residents, he assured them that the AKM would stand with them if the survey revealed significant negative impacts.
Temwang Angh, President of KSU, highlighted the project's potential to boost the region's power capacity, noting its scale as twice that of the Doyang project. He expressed optimism that the project would benefit all of Nagaland.