Six Micro Hydel Power Projects (MHPP) out of the 13 MHPP that are slated to come up in East and North districts of Sikkim, have received clearances. Work on these projects is expected to commence soon.
The six MHHPs ready to commence work after availing all necessary clearances are Bakcha, Phensong, Lingdem, Linza, B-9 and B-8 and the remaining seven MHHPs, mostly in East District are yet to get the forest clearance along with other necessary clearances.
The MHPP that have been proposed are - Bala MHPP with a capacity of 100 KW, Buthang- 100 KW, Lingtam - 100 KW, Lamaten - 100 KW, Kumrek- 100 KW, Bakcha - 100 KW, Phensong - 45 KW, Lingdem- 100 KW, Linza - 100 KW, B-9- 45 KW, Lower Dalapchand - 25 KW, Sawa- 100 KW and B-8 - 40 KW. Out of the 13 MHHPs, the one of Lower Dalapchand has been awarded to a cooperative society. After completion, the project will be handed over to the local NGOs or panchayats to operate and maintain the same.
The total generation of power from the all the proposed MHPPs is 1,045 KW and the total cost of construction projected at Rs 19 crore. Out of the total expenditure required, the Ministry of New and Renewal Energy will provide 70 per cent while the North Eastern Council will fund Rs 5 crore as gap funding while the state’s share is about Rs 4 crore.