Aizawl: Plans for the Tlawng Hydel Project, a proposed 120 MW hydropower initiative on the Tlawng River near North Lungleng, were unveiled by Power & Electricity Minister F. Rodingliana during a press conference.
The minister detailed that the Ministry of Water Resources sanctioned ₹11.55 crore in 2014 for the Survey & Investigation (S&I) and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The Central Water Commission (CWC) commenced the S&I in February 2015, with work on the DPR still underway.
According to initial findings, the project will involve constructing a 120-meter-high dam, submerging 2,888 hectares of uncultivable land and 187 hectares of cultivable land. Designed to minimize disruptions, the project will avoid significant impact on nearby villages, said the Minister. The reservoir is expected to extend toward Thenzawl, affecting parts of Ramlaitui and Kawlhawk villages.
Key studies, including topographical surveys, geotechnical investigations, seismic assessments, and materials surveys, have been completed. Tender evaluations for the foundation’s “drifting” process are ongoing, with drilling anticipated to take four months. The DPR is slated for submission to the state government by 2025.
The project will feature a water storage capacity of 1,009.6 million cubic meters, ensuring sustainable water supply for power generation and environmental needs. The minister also emphasized its potential to address Aizawl’s seasonal water shortages through an efficient pumping system.
The press conference, chaired by Power & Electricity Secretary K. Lalrinzuali, IAS, was attended by senior officials, including Chief Engineers Lalnithanga, C. Lalropianga, J.H. Malsawma, and Ngursailova Sailo, alongside representatives from the CWC and other departments.
However, environmentalists have raised concerns, with social activist Ruatfela Nu questioning the impact of the dam’s construction on the livelihoods of people in the surrounding areas up to Bairabi, who depend on the Tlawng River’s resources for their daily sustenance.
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