Nagaland’s ambitious 186 MW Dikhu Hydro Electric Power yet to see light of day

DIMAPUR — Nagaland’s ambitious Dikhu Hydro Electric Power (DHEP), a 186 MW hydropower project on the Dikhu River that has been stalled for almost two decades, continues to see no sign of progress despite attempts to revive it.

The Power department of the state government is said to have convened meetings with the groups opposing the project, on two occasions, even as the project is due to expire next year but in vain.

The Power department said that it had convened a meeting with the Nyang Village Council in Longleng town on May 17, 2024 in connection with the 186 MW DHEP; to expound the objectives of the project, benefits as well as other issues related to the submergence level, but the village council chose not to participate.

Amid the impasse, the department has requested the villagers of Nyang to reconsider their decision with regard to the project, considering the huge stake that it holds for the younger generation, saying that not only ensure energy security for the local areas and the state but also open up employment opportunities and usher in socio-economic development for the younger generations of the area and the state as a whole.

“The Techno Economic Clearance (TEC) of Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Ministry of Power Government of India (GOI) for the project is due to expire in March 2025, and hence there is an urgency to initiate the development of the project,” the department stated.

It was also informed that the Power department had convened another joint meeting with the Phom Students’ Conference, Kohima Phom Students’ Union, Dimapur Phom Students’ Union and Business Association of Nagas on May 25, 2024 in Dimapur, to discuss the prospect of ambitious project but was postponed due to “unforeseen prior engagement”.

Sources said that the tentative date for the postponed meeting is not decided yet.

It may be mentioned that the Power department has been pushing to complete the project amid huge power crisis faced by the state.

“With 90% of our Power requirement being imported, we are unfortunately a power dependent state, reeling under acute power shortages every year. Shortage of power has greatly hampered the economic development of our state and our people in every economic aspect requiring electricity and acts as a major impediment for investments,” the department stated.

During the budget session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly held in February this year, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Power, KG Kenye had highlighted that out of the 15 villages spread across Mon, Longleng and Mokokchung districts, which fall under the project area, 13 villages have consented for development of the project.

However, objections from Nyang and Kangching villages under Longleng districts, relating to their land measuring about 189.68 (9.42% of the project’s total area) and 197.11 (9.79%) hectares respectively, have caused delays.

It may be noted that the 186 MW Dikhu Hydro Electric Project is a joint venture executed by Manu Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd. with a share of 76% while the government of Nagaland has a share of 24%.

The fund for Nagaland government’s stake in the project will also be arranged by MES in lieu of 12% of the free power entitled to GoN.

 “Dikhu Project is most suitable for peak power generation. Hence the power can be regulated to enable to supply the consumer at any time round the clock. The place is blessed with early monsoon which enables to supply power when other part of country is reeling under power shortage and most of the construction material is available at the vicinity of the project,” according to the project highlights of Manu Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd.