NTPC Limited (NTPC) inked an agreement with the Mizoram government for implementation of its first hydro power project in the northeast of India. Under the terms of the agreement, NTPC shall supply 13% free power from the Kolodyne project to Mizoram. The 460 megawatt (MW) Kolodyne Stage II hydro electric project will be located on the Kolodyne river in Sahia and Lawngtlai districts of Mizoram and will cost at least INR30 billion.
The project is estimated to be commissioned within six to seven years, according to Union Ministry of State for Power and Commerce.
NTPC has also agreed to supply 15% power at the tariff, to be determined by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, over and above the normal share of Mizoram as per the existing power-sharing formula, subject to the concurrence of the Power Ministry.
Energy equivalent to 100 units of electricity from the hydro power project is to be provided free of cost to the families affected by the project, reported by the Mizoram government in the designated resettled areas and project area for ten years from the date of commissioning. The cost of balanced unused electricity, if any, will made available to the families in cash or kind or both.
The agreement states that 100% recruitment for workmen will be done first from amongst the affected families and in case of non-availability of appropriate workmen among them; the recruitment will be done from other residents of Mizoram.
The 460 MW hydro project will be NTPC’s second project in the country after the 800 MW Koldam hydel power project in Himachal Pradesh.
Presently, NTPC is constructing the 750 MW Salakati thermal power project in lower Assam. The company shall implement the project on build, own, operate and maintain basis. Project construction activities will begin within six months.