Nagaland spends more than INR 200 cr. on power annually, says CM

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 15 (EMN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in his concluding remarks to the governor’s address on Monday, stressed on the need to come up with policies in the Power sector, stating that the state spends more than INR 200 crore in a year in purchasing power from other states.

The state has upgraded health infrastructure, machineries, private hospitals, nursing homes etc, following the pandemic but it has also thrown a challenge on self-sufficiency, he told the House on Monday.

As of now, the state is purchasing about 90% of power from outside the state. This was due to land ownership-related issues in Nagaland for setting up of power projects. Thus, more than INR 200 crore of the state revenue was at a loss on an annual basis to purchase power. However, he informed that the 66kV line has reached every district and there would be stable transmission in all districts in a short time.

On roads, he said that the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government has taken new policy to make quality roads in the state as ‘road is the face of the state’.

Subsequently, he said that it improved the roads starting from the district. It also decided to ensure standardised work and maintain the road for three years.

“Roads are in good progress so far. The state received ULB grants and loans from the centre, which has been distributed to districts to improve the roads,” he said, while assuring that the PDA government is taking stringent measures to improve roads in both the rural and urban areas in the state.

He also said that the Naga peace talk “concluded date” was given by the interlocutor of the negotiation and not by the state government.

‘We can definitely overcome this pandemic’

Rio said that Covid-19 has taken the world, including Nagaland by surprise and the state was not prepared to deal with it in the beginning but the government was confident.

‘The state’s response to Covid-19 is a shining example of co-ordinated efforts of all government agencies, organisations, and individuals. Such concerted efforts showed the strength of community and we have overcome,’ he said, adding that “we can definitely overcome this pandemic”.

Long-term measures on Dzükou Valley

The CM stressed on the long-term measures being taken up by the state government to tackle fire incidents at Dzükou Valley.

The measures taken are construction of fire control lines around the valley and ensuring kits maintenance annually; installation of full-proof surveillance system for tourists intruding and leaving the valley in co-ordination with the local community, village council, district administration; capacity building- community first responders in preventing as well as taking swift action to responding to forest fire; and putting in place the technology-driven fire alert system. 

Rio informed that he had a telephonic conversation with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh as well as Manipur Minister Losii Dikho and discussed at length on how to deal with the situation. He had also written a letter to Manipur CM on January 8 stating that Dzükou belongs to the people and without people’s participation, the matter cannot be taken forward.

The CM went on to add that the Tenyimi tribunal would resolve the issue, for which they have asked for some time to resolve the matter. From both sides, that is Nagaland and Manipur, it is the Tenyimi people who are living in the area, he added. 

“If the Tenyimi union in both the areas (Manipur and Nagaland) agrees, the state government’s intention is to declare Nagaland portion as govt. reserved forest. Accordingly, it would approach the central govt. or any international agency to support the conservation so that the neighbouring villages can get the benefit of alternative livelihoods,” he added.

During the course of discussion, Rio observed that members of both the Treasury bench and Opposition bench are “positive” in their approach and gave a lot of healthy suggestions. He added that all the criticisms were noted.

Some of the legislators participated in the debate on the motion of thanks to the governor’s address included Metsubo Jamir, Kashiho Sangtam, Neikiesalie Kire, H Khehovi Yeptho, S Pangnyu Phom. On the members of the House agreeing to the governor’s speech, NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer adopted the address.