core sector communique

Dr. Farooq Abdullah calls upon Power Ministers of North Eastern States to maximize use of renewable energy 

Minister of New and Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah reviewed the implementation of renewable energy polices and programmes in the North Eastern States at a meeting in New Delhi today. The meeting was attended by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya and the Power Ministers of other North Eastern States, senior officials from the Ministry and the State Governments.

It was informed during the meeting that out of 4965 remote villages to be electrified/ illuminated through renewable energy systems in the region, 3841 villages have been provided solar lights. There are over 160 small/ micro hydel projects installed in the North Eastern States with 275 MW aggregate capacity. Apart from this, over 60,000 solar lanterns, home lighting systems and street lights have been set up. The region has over 1,18,000 biogas plants. The Ministry is now making detailed assessment of wind resources in the North East. Arunachal Pradesh is implementing a special project to electrify/ illuminate its all villages along the international border through solar and micro hydel projects. Out of 1058 target villages under this project, 736 villages have already been covered.

Dr. Abdullah appreciated the difficulties faced by the North Eastern States and assured them all possible help from the Ministry. The States agreed to take action to strengthen the renewable energy programme. Power Ministers from the North Eastern States requested for 90% funding from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for the renewable energy projects in the region. They also requested for help in preparation of State specific action plans for renewable energy. Dr. Abdullah agreed for getting the Resource Mapping for solar, wind and micro/small hydro prepared for these States. The States in the region have also been advised to put in more efforts for popularization of renewable energy for maximizing use of these technologies. The Ministers and concerned officers of North Eastern States will be given opportunities to visit showcase projects within and outside the country.

Power Ministers from North Eastern States appreciated the leadership provided by Dr. Farooq Abdullah in promoting renewable energy in the country specially in the North Eastern States and new policies under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).