Recognizing that the current significant power deficit in the state impedes economic progress and development, stakeholders have issued a consensus statement known as the ‘Dimapur Declaration’ regarding the 186MW Dikhu Hydro Electric Project (HEP). The declaration was formalized on July 29 at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur.
The stakeholders meeting was attended by representatives from the Business Association of Nagaland (BAN), Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Longleng Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mon Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), and the Chief Engineer (D&R) & HOD of the Department of Power.
The 186MW Dikhu HEP is considered crucial for addressing the state’s power needs and supporting economic progress. The declaration emphasized that all stakeholders must actively engage with landowners, village authorities, and other relevant parties to address concerns and ensure the project’s successful advancement.
Additionally, it was mentioned that the Department of Power, Government of Nagaland, is actively working to resolve the issues.
Earlier, the Department of Power also signed the same declaration with the representatives of three apex student bodies – Phom Students’ Conference, Konyak Students’ Union, and the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang.
It may be mentioned here that development of the 186 MW Dikhu Hydro Electric Project (HEP), one of the largest infrastructure proposals in Nagaland, is currently facing significant challenges due to land acquisition issues. The project spans across the districts of Longleng, Mon, and Mokokchung, but progress has been reportedly stalled due to “some unwilling villages under Longleng district for a long time,” according to the Department of Power, Nagaland.
It is also reported that the Techno Economic Clearance (TEC) of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Ministry of Power, Government of India, without which no project can be developed, will be expiring in March 2025, adding urgency to the need for resolving the land acquisition hurdles.
The 186MW Dikhu HEP, according to the Department of Power, shall usher in rapid socio-economic development of the three districts, and benefit the whole state towards industrialization. It is expected that the project will bring in advancements in education, health, communication, and industrialization, which will collectively support the overall development of the state.
Thus, the Department, in order to address these challenges and move forward with the project, organized the “Stakeholders Meet” on July 29, 2024.