Deputy Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (APLA), Kardo Nyigyor, inaugurated the Sibe MHS (2×150 KW) Hydro Power Project at Kamo, near Taramori village under Sibe Circle of Lower Siang District on Wednesday.
The project is expected to provide electricity to 14 villages under Sibe Circle, with the potential to extend power connectivity to several more villages under Gensi Circle and beyond.
Constructed at the confluence of the Beche and Sibe rivers, the project has commenced power generation, harnessing renewable hydroelectric energy with minimal environmental impact.
Addressing the gathering, Nyigyor described the project as a long-cherished joint dream of himself and former minister Late Jomde Kena. Expressing satisfaction over its successful completion, he said that their shared vision and the long-felt need of the people of the area had finally been fulfilled, bringing much-needed relief to the people of the remote villages.
He emphasised the need to identify and develop more such projects to strengthen the region’s power infrastructure.
He also stated that the project, with an installed capacity of 300 KW, would generate surplus electricity beyond the immediate requirements of the local population.
Nyigyor further highlighted the development of various public utility infrastructure in the area.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by the local people, he assured them that their demands would be addressed in due course, particularly the construction of an approach road and bachelor barracks at the hydel project site.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Karom Perme, chief engineer, DHPD (Siang Basin); Gobi Nyicyor, Deputy Commissioner, Lower Siang District; Bomken Basar, Superintendent of Police; Gumto Ete, Superintending Engineer, DHPD; heads of various district departments; panchayat leaders, Gaon Burahs, community leaders, representatives of women’s groups and officials and staff of the Hydro Power Department.
Speaking on the occasion, chief engineer Karom Perme stated that the execution of the project had involved considerable challenges and risks but was successfully accomplished through the effective efforts of the divisional engineer and the cooperation and support of the local people.
He further informed that the project was the first of its kind in the Siang Basin to be commissioned by the department following its reconstitution.
Deputy Commissioner Gobi Nyicyor, while appreciating the project, observed that provision for local engagement in Group C and D posts would have been beneficial in addressing genuine local concerns and ensuring greater participation of the local population in the project.
