Aizawl, Sept 28: Mizoram’s Power and Electricity Minister, R. Lalzirliana, has announced plans to electrify 51 clusters of cultivation areas across all 11 districts of the state. This initiative aims to bring electricity to rural agricultural regions and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
The electrification project is being carried out with financial support from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), a crucial source of funding for rural development projects in India. Lalzirliana explained that this effort aligns with the state’s goal of expanding access to electricity to support agriculture and rural development.
One of the significant developments in the state’s energy landscape is the upcoming construction of a 10-megawatt capacity grid-connected solar plant in Thenzawl, located in central Mizoram’s Serchhip district. This solar project is also being funded by NABARD and represents a sustainable energy solution for the state.
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Mizoram has already made progress in solar energy with the completion of four solar plants generating a total of 28.631 megawatts. However, Lalzirliana noted that the challenging terrain in Mizoram has posed difficulties in establishing solar projects, making the effort more resource-intensive.
In addition to expanding access to electricity, Mizoram is working on implementing pre-paid smart meters to improve the efficiency and transparency of energy distribution. While this initiative is in progress, the minister acknowledged that technical challenges may cause delays in its rollout.
The state government has also incurred substantial expenses for energy purchases over the past four years, amounting to Rs 1,835.39 crore. In addition to these expenses, late payment penalties for energy purchases totaled Rs 15.14 crore.
Manpower shortages have been a concern in the state’s Power and Electricity department. Out of the sanctioned 2,162 posts, there is currently a shortage of 954 employees. This understaffing issue can affect the department’s ability to manage and maintain the state’s energy infrastructure efficiently.
Mizoram’s efforts to electrify agricultural clusters and invest in renewable energy projects demonstrate its commitment to improving energy access and infrastructure development in the state. These initiatives are vital for supporting rural communities, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting sustainable energy sources in Mizoram.
