Shillong, Jan 4:Â Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma inaugurated the 2×20 MW New Umtru Hydro Electric Project at Dehal, Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi district on Thursday.
While addressing the gathering, Chief Minister expressed happiness at having the privilege to inaugurate the New Umtru Hydro Electric Project, as it is very rare that the same VIP gets the opportunity in laying the foundation stone and also inaugurating and dedicating it to the people of the state.
The foundation stone was laid in 2007 by the then Chief Minister D.D. Lapang in the presence of Dr Mukul Sangma who was the Deputy Chief Minister in-Charge Power that time.
He said the state of Meghalaya have added substantially to its power generation capacity and encouraged the Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Limited to further look at potential areas where small hydroelectric projects can be developed so as to improve the overall energy scenario in the state particularly the remote areas.
“The concept of water harvesting, water conservation can be integrated appropriately with power projects for optimum benefit†he said.
Sangma said that the government was committed in bringing down the losses of MeECL and encouraged in bringing peoples’ participation for timely realization of the tariff across the state.
“We need to ensure that all three entities under MeECL are profit making entities†he said
Former Chief Secretary, WMS Pariat, Chairman cum Managing Director, MeECL, P.S. Thangkhiew, NEEPCO CMD, A. G. West Kharkongor, and other senior officials were present on the occasion.
