Kohima: The 1 MW Ponglefo Small Hydro Electric Project (SHP) at Salomi village, Kiphire district, was inaugurated on Thursday.
The event was attended by Advisor for Fire and Emergency Services, Home Guard, Civil Defence, Relief and Rehabilitation, S. Kiusumew Yimchunger, while Minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, inaugurated the project virtually from the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima.
Speaking at the event, Advisor Kiusumew Yimchunger acknowledged the pivotal role played by Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and Power Minister KG Kenye in making the project a reality. He commended their unwavering commitment to developing revenue-generating projects across the state.
He also thanked the Salomi Village Council and villagers for their cooperation and assured ongoing government support in creating employment opportunities and improving road infrastructure.
Er. N. Myingthungo, Executive Engineer (Generation), Kohima, representing the Power Department, highlighted the project’s environmental significance. Though modest in capacity, the 1 MW SHP, he said, harnesses Nagaland’s rich hydropower potential through a renewable and eco-friendly run-of-the-river system.
The grid-connected project comprises two 500 KW units using horizontal Francis turbines, designed to generate approximately 3.9 million units (MU) of electricity annually by utilizing the perennial Likimo River, a tributary of the Tizu River.
The Power Department expressed gratitude to the elders, leaders, and villagers of Salomi for their cooperation, which was instrumental to the project’s success. Er. Myingthungo encouraged continued collaboration among the community, administration, and technical departments to maximize the benefits of the project by improving livelihoods, services, and infrastructure.
Salomi Village Council Chairman also extended his thanks to all stakeholders, including government officials, department staff, and villagers, urging sustained support to address any future challenges and infrastructure needs, particularly roads for operational ease.
Minister KG Kenye, in his virtual address, emphasised the indispensable role of power in daily life and development, from charging mobile devices to enabling space missions. He stressed the importance of exploring Nagaland’s abundant natural resources and committed to promoting small and mini hydro projects, solar, bio-energy, and other clean energy avenues. Kenye further invited international investment in Nagaland’s power sector to boost energy production.
The project, funded jointly by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, the North Eastern Council (NEC), and the State Government, reflects Nagaland’s dedication to renewable energy and sustainable rural development. The advanced electro-mechanical systems and robust civil infrastructure are tailored to the region’s challenging terrain and will significantly strengthen the state grid and local economy.
Earlier in the programme, Chief Engineer of the Power Department, Er. Kasho Chishi, presented a detailed technical report. The event concluded with a benediction by Pastor of Salomi Baptist Church and a note of gratitude from SDO (Generation) Likhimro, Er. Chophathung Kithan.
Also Read | Nagaland: Angami youth body leads Kohima citywide clean-up