Assam's first hydel project fully operational

After a 27-year wait "� Karbi Langpi Hydel Power Project (KLHPP) in Karbi Anglong district in Assam-- is fully operational and will be formally dedicated to the people by the chief minister on April 6.

"Assam's first hydel power project, started 27 years ago, and was on the verge of abandonment because of government apathy has now been completed in all respects", announced Pradyut Bordoloi, industry, commerce and power minister of Assam.

Karbi Lanpi project, which was conceived in 1980, is the first power generating project being commissioned in divided Assam. Built at an estimated cost of 500 crore, the total capacity of the project is 100 MW. The first unit of 50 MW was commissioned in January this year.

With KLHPP in full operation, the worsening power scenario in the state could be contained to an extent, said Bordoloi.

Assam's peak hour deficit currently is 600 MW, and with the rising demand, the minister expects the figure to touch 15,000 MW by 2011. Currently, the state generates 100 MW of power, and this is now going to double with the addition of another 100 MW from the KLHPP.