Union Minister Manohar Lal Discussed Hydropower Projects Along Tlawng, Tuivai And Chhimtuipui Rivers In Mizoram.

Aizawl; May 2026: Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar today (Friday – 30th May 2026) has emphasised the need to expand Mizoram’s power generation capacity, with a particular focus on renewable and hydropower development, during a State Review Meeting held at the MINECO Conference Hall in Aizawl.

The meeting, attended by Mizoram Power & Electricity Minister F. Rodingliana, Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation Minister K. Sapdanga, and senior officials, focused on strengthening the state’s power infrastructure and ensuring long-term energy security.

During the discussions, the Union Minister described electricity as a key driver of economic growth and stressed the importance of effective planning for both power generation and power conservation. He encouraged Mizoram to place greater emphasis on renewable energy, particularly solar power, while also exploring the state’s vast hydropower potential.

A major highlight of the meeting was the discussion on proposed hydroelectric power projects on the Tlawng, Tuivai, and Chhimtuipui rivers. Manohar Lal informed officials that further discussions on these proposals would be taken up in New Delhi with the Mizoram government to assess their feasibility and explore ways to move the projects forward.

Earlier, on the 28th of this month, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma chaired a high-level review meeting to expedite the proposed Tuivai Hydroelectric Project, which is estimated to cost Rs 2,289.50 crore and is expected to be completed within five years. Power Minister F Rodingliana and senior officials of the Power and Electricity Department attended the meeting.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been completed, and the proposal is now ready for the tendering process, officials said. The State Government is exploring the implementation of the project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, they added. According to the 20th Electric Power Survey, Mizoram’s peak power demand stands at 182 MW and is projected to rise to around 213 MW by 2030.

Although the State has an installed power generation capacity of 50.20 MW, actual production remains significantly lower, with only around 10% of Mizoram’s total electricity requirement currently being met through local generation, officials said. The State Government spends nearly Rs 649.54 crore annually on power purchases, excluding transmission charges, making expansion of local power generation a priority area, they said.

The Tuivai Hydroelectric Project was initially surveyed by the Central Water Commission in 1992 with a proposed generation capacity of 210 MW.

However, as part of the proposed dam area extended into neighbouring Manipur, the project was redesigned and re-surveyed. A revised DPR has now been prepared with a reduced generation capacity of 132 MW.

The review meeting also decided that the annual financial requirements for implementation of the project would be examined in consultation with the Finance Department. Besides the Tuivai project, the meeting reviewed the progress of the ongoing Tuirini Hydroelectric Project and the implementation of works under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

Meanwhile during today’s meeting with UM Manohar Lal, it was asserted that the proposed hydropower projects are expected to significantly boost electricity generation in the state, reduce dependence on external power sources, and contribute to Mizoram’s long-term energy requirements. The projects could also support economic growth by improving power availability for households, businesses, and industries.

Apart from power generation, the meeting reviewed the state’s ongoing efforts to modernise its electricity distribution network. Officials reported that under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), Smart Meter installation is progressing steadily, with 52,886 meters already installed out of the targeted 292,081 units, representing 18.01% of the overall target.

The Union Minister also urged the Power & Electricity Department to improve electricity revenue collection, ensure full recovery of dues, and accelerate Smart Meter installation in government offices and major commercial establishments. He further suggested introducing a security deposit system under the prepaid metering programme and noted that early adopters would receive a 02% rebate.

The meeting additionally reviewed urban development initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). Manohar Lal noted that Mizoram has advanced from Open Defecation Free (ODF) status to ODF+ status and discussed measures to strengthen solid waste management, sanitation, waste segregation, and urban cleanliness. He assured continued support from the Central Government for these initiatives.

Team Maverick.