In a bid to augment power generation in Assam, Bhoomi Pujan of APGCL’s 120 MW Lower Kopili Hydro Electric Project at Longku, Dima Hasao was performed today by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in presence of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.

In December 2020, the Government of India signed a $231 million ADB loan to boost electricity generation capacity in Assam through the construction of a 120 megawatt (MW) hydroelectric power plant that will enhance the availability of electricity for households.

This run-of-the-river project over Kopili river will help increase electricity supplied from clean energy by 469 gigawatt hour (GWh) by 2025 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 360,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

The Chief Minister said this project, to be completed by 2024, will add to Assam’s power generation capacity from clean hydroelectric sources and improve electricity availability. The affordable and clean electricity generated through the project will greatly improve the quality of living, promote businesses and increase employment opportunities in the State, he said.

Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Sitharaman for helping Assam with externally aided projects, he informed Rs 1700 crore out of total project cost Rs 2200 crore has been provided by central Government and the earnings from this project will be fully utilised for Dima Hasao’s development.

He also urged L&T to complete the project strictly within its schedule of June 2024.

Power Minister Bimal Bora, CEM NCHAC Debolal Gorlosa, CEM KAAC Tuliram Ronghang were also present at the programme along with other dignitaries.

Later, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also laid the foundation stone of improvement and upgradation work of 90 km road from Haflong Tinali to Lower Haflong. The ADB aided Assam Road Network Improvement Project (ARNIP) aims to enhance road transportation in Assam by assisting the PWD to build sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

Under Assam Government flagship ‘Asom Mala’ programme initiative has been taken to objectively improve the State Highways (SH) and Major District Roads (MDR) Network in the State with funding from multiple sources. ARNIP aims to improve and upgrade about 313 km SH and MDRs while working towards road safety improvement of 200 km.

 Saying that implementation of this externally aided project will result in better road infrastructure in Dima Hasao’s Haflong, Umrongso, and other parts, the Chief Minister informed the State Government will spend Rs 900 crore for building roads in Dima Hasao and Rs 250 crore will be spent for construction of Umrongso- Lanka road within 9 months.

He also asserted peace has also returned to the hill districts of Assam as all militant organisations here have been engaged in peace talks with Government. The tourism potential of Dima Hasao is immense as it is endowed with mesmerising natural beauty. Improvement in road infrastructure will greatly facilitate tourist footfall and result in the economic development of this area, he said.

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