Despite efforts being made to start the ambitious 186 MW Dikhu Hydro Electric Project (DHEP) spread over Longleng, Mon and Mokokchung districts in Nagaland, the hurdles by some landowner villages, has now prompted the state government to explore alternative locations for the hydropower project.
According to official sources, the Department of Power has conducted a pre-feasibility study for developing hydropower projects upstream of the proposed 186 MW Dikhu HEP in the Dikhu river. The project in particular- the Dikhu Hydro Electric Project (DHEP)- is among 17 hydro projects approved by the government of India to generate capacity of over 5,144 MW by 2030. A total of 15 villages under Longleng, Mon and Mokokchung districts fall under the consolidated chart of projected areas. They include– Wanching, Chingphoi, Chinglong, Aopao, and Chingtang in Mon district; Tamlu, Nyang, Yongya, Tangha, Kamahu [Yongshei], Yachem, and Kanching in Longleng district; and Merangkong, Changtongya Old, and Yaongyimsen in Mokokchung district.
Despite assurances from officials that the project not adversely impact the villages, as only a small portion of land would be covered, progress has been hindered due to the reluctance of two villages. As published, an internal communication noted that the Department of Power was “exploring ways and means with the help of the State government to negotiate with the 2 unwilling villages and is hopeful to come out with an amicable understanding and land clearances” within this dry season, as directed by the CEA.
If the challenges persist unresolved, officials said that the project may be abandoned/lapse, resulting in a significant loss of development opportunities for both the state and the villages in the project area.
Given the circumstances, the government has initiated a feasibility study and identified hydropower potential of about 30 MW each below and above the Dikhu bridge between Changtongya and Longleng.
However, the potential site below the bridge may overlap with some submergence area at the upper stream location, rendering the lower 186 MW HEP unattainable, officials said.
In its efforts to address Nagaland’s acute power shortage, the Department of Power is diligently pursuing opportunities to tap available hydro potential.
During the recently held budget session, chief minister Neiphiu Rio had categorically emphasized that the government could not afford to wait indefinitely for the resolution of the nearly two-decade-old land issue. Consequently, he instructed the department to conduct surveys to identify potential areas where landowners and villages were willing to offer land. This proactive approach, he asserted, would not only benefit the villages but also help alleviate Nagaland’s power crisis.
Meanwhile, the department had also conducted survey works for development of Lower Doyang HEP and received positive response from the Lower Doyang HEP Development Committee. Despite the challenges, the Department was hopeful that the 186 MW Dikhu HEP would become a reality with the cooperation of all the villages. Officials have reiterated their assurance that the project will not have a detrimental impact on the villages, as only a fraction of the land will be utilized.
They emphasized the positive aspects of the project, highlighting its potential to usher in significant developmental activities, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to overall socio-economic development of the villages in particular and the state in general.