Manipur CM solicits cooperation in power sector

Speaking at the seventh edition of the Delhi Dialogue in the capital on 12 March, Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh sought cooperation in tapping his state’s potential in the power sector. Mr Singh was looking for the cooperation as a part of the government’s Act East Policy to promote India-ASEAN interactions.

Mr Singh said Manipur’s power potential has been assessed at 1784 MW, of which, only 105 MW has been harnessed so far. He said the government has identified a dozen sites for hydro power generation and is soliciting cooperation and support for making it a reality.

“Energy is a thrust area of development in Manipur not only to meet the local requirement for domestic and industrial uses but also for marketing outside because the State has considerable hydro power potential,” Mr Singh said. He added that the state is in talks with Myanmar for supply of 2-3 MW of power.

Mr Singh said the Act East Policy has opened opportunities for India’s North Eastern states, and an Indo-ASEAN partnership is crucial for them from the point of view of connectivity, employment generation, sustainable development, raising incomes and promotion enterprise.

Mr Singh said his state looks forward to reaping dividends from the India-ASEAN partnerships.