Kohima, 29 February (MTNews): Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Power, KG Kenye, today announced that the land survey for the Dikhu River hydro project has been completed in Mon and Mokokchung districts. However, the process in Longleng district has been delayed due to objections from Nyang and Kangching villages. He made this statement while responding to a starred question raised by MLA Nuklutoshi during the ongoing NLA session, adding that negotiations with the landowners of the two villages are currently underway.
The Minister further informed that the project commenced in 2014, with extensions for Techno Economic Clearance (TEC) granted in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023. The department has been appealing for another extension from the Central Electricity Authority until May of the following year.
Expressing concern, the Minister stated that if the project fails to proceed this time, the state will need to redirect its focus to other potential areas. He also mentioned the department’s plans to survey the upper side of the Dikhu river. Additionally, the Minister highlighted the various benefits that people can avail across multiple sectors once the project is completed, emphasizing its role in addressing the power generation crisis in Nagaland.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio emphasized that the land issue remains a significant obstacle to many developmental projects. He noted that discussions for the same project have been ongoing for over two decades. Asserting the commitment of funds, the Chief Minister suggested that if other upstream villagers or landowners are willing to provide land, the proposed project should be expedited through immediate surveys.
