The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has accorded techno-economic clearance to the 1500 MW(6x250 MW) Tipaimukh Dam Project on the river Barak in Manipur/Mizoram at an estimated cost of Rs 5,163.86 crore for implementation in central sector. The construction of this mega project would provide impetus to the economic and developmental activities in the North eastern region. Apart from power generation the project would, on its completion, provide flood moderation benefits in the downstream areas in Assam.In the last 12 months, the CEA has cleared projects which could help generate upto 11,500 MW of power, projects which earlier took years before they were awarded clearance. Speaking to The Indian Express, CEA chairman Mr H.L. Bajaj said that the average time taken to clear a project has come down substantially over the past few months. ‘‘There are days when we have given clearances the same day,’’ Bajaj said.He also said that due to the slow take-off of private investment in the power sector, the government had decided to carry out pre-project work ready like locating a spot for setting up power plants, planning for large 2000 MW plus capacity plants for better viability and lower cost and ear-mark areas where these could be set up. He said that companies could then come and bid for the projects and start work immediately with all clearances in place.Says Bajaj,‘‘we have carried out some satellite imaging to identify locations for these projects and will soon finalise a blueprint for large projects with all clearances and detailed project reports in place.’’The Tipaimukh project is scheduled to be completed in five years after the award of contracts for major works. The sale rate of energy from the project is estimated at Rs 2.34 per unit. The power from the project would be utilised in the north eastern region and surplus power would be evacuated for utilisation outside the region. The lower valley of the Barak river falling in Assam undergoes recurrent flood damages in Silchar, Badarpur, Bhanga etc. The flood damages would reduce significantly after the project is constructed. Bajaj explained that the project would yield flood benefits in the State of Assam to the tune of Rs 35 crore per annum due to flood control. There would be other secondary benefits such as navigation due to increased draft in the Barak river, pisciculture, tourism.
