Loktak downstream Project cost slashed by Rs 87 crs

Imphal, June 23: The State Government has revised the cost of the Loktak Down Stream Project to be taken up under the Prime Minister's package and reduced the cost of the project by Rs 87.30 crs from the earlier estimated cost of Rs 758.92 crs. The revision was made following an agreement between State Government officials and the Power Secretary, Government of India on May 16. The total cost was reduced to Rs 671.61 crs as per the price index of March this year. The revised project report has been submitted to the Centre. However it is still not clear whether the report has been accepted by the Centre and when the work for the same will begin. Till date, the National Hydro Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) which has been entrusted with the task has not taken up any work. Sources from the State Power Department said acquisition of large portions of land and extension of roadways were included in the previous project report prepared by the NHPC. However most of them have been cancelled in the report submitted by the State Government leading to the reduction in the cost. As per the earlier report, the total area of land to be acquired was 462 Ha while it is only 340 Ha in the revised report. The new report also proposes to construct the Rengpang-Khoupum Road instead of the Tupul-Thangal Road. This shortens the length of the road to be constructed and the cost reduced substantially, he said. Regarding communication, the new report mentions that "the project site is also approachable more economically from Rengpang-Khoupum Road which is being renovated and upgraded with the financial assistance from the NEC by the BRTF during the 10th Five Year Plan. It is also learned that adequate amount has already been sanctioned by the MRT and H for the upgradation of the NH 53 including the bridges and culverts. The BRTF has assured that it shall complete the job in a year or two. Therefore the implementing agency NHPC can take advantage of such a development. Because the new proposal shall provide the facility for more economic transport". With the reduction in the project area, the area of land that are supposed to come up around the areas for afforestation and catchment treatment will also come down, the source said adding the amount of compensation to be provided to the land owners will also come down substantially. Regarding transportation of equipment and other material for the project, the length for transportation from Dimapur is 363 kms while it is just 173 kms if brought directly from Jiribam railhead to Rengpang. The department source said State Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing had pressed for the early beginning of the project during a meeting with Union Power Minister Suresh Prabhu at Guwahati some time back. Prabhu assured that work will he started very soon. Reports received from the NHPC however said the project could not he taken up due to security reasons. Survey of tunnel sites and soil testing have already been conducted. But it was stopped as there were several disturbances from underground groups. The Government has been requested to provide 3 security forces battalions, he said. When asked on the security demand, the source in the Power Department said the Centre is responsible for providing security arid the cost should also be borne by it. However the State Government has requested the Centre to provide the same. It may be recalled that the Centre has already sanctioned Rs 578 crs for the project.