Location: AIZWAL, MIZORAM

The project is to be treated as a Central Sector scheme under loan assistance from OECF Japan (equity from GOI 15%, GOI loan 8% and JBIC loan 77%). The project is located on the border of Cachar District of Assam and Aizwal Disttrict of Mizoram. The scope of the project envisages construction of a 77M high homogeneous earthfill dam across the Tuirial River. The water conductor system consists of HRT 160 M long and 6.25 M dia, tunnel (horse shoe shaped) with cut and cover portion of 50.5 M, a 3.8 M dia surface penstock of 176 M length finally bifurcating to 4.3 M dia near the powerhouse. Powerhouse will have vertical turbines operating under a head of 56 M  tail race127 joining into the main river. The installed capacity of the project is 60 MW consisting of 2 Units of 30MW each. The design energy from the project at 90% dependable year is 275 MUs per annum and the energy for sale is 240 MUs ( after free power , losses and auxiliary consumption).

The works have been divided into 5 packages:

Lot-I (Diversion Tunnel):Work order for Diversion Tunnel was issued to M/s. Patel Engineering Ltd. on 13.02.02. Open excavation and concreting has been completed.

Lot-II (Dam & Spillway):Work order for this package was also issued to M/s. Patel Engineering Ltd. on 21.10.02. The excavation works of spillway are in progress.About 79% since completed. Regarding work of the Main Dam, 16% excavation completed.

Lot-III (Powerhouse):

The package covers the civil works relating to Power House.,switchyard and waterway. LoI for these was issued to M/s. Patel Engineering Ltd. on 30.12.02.

Lot-IV (Hydro Mechanical Equipment):LoI for Lot-IV had been issued to M/s Alstomm Power Portugal S.A., New Delhi on 17.11.03 which has since gone into legal dispute following cancellation of the work order in the light of non-signing of the agreement by the firm. The case is subjudice pending final hearing of the Gauhati High Court.

Lot-V (Electrical Works):The package covers all electrical works. Work order for this package was issued to M/s. BHEL on 26.09.02. BHEL has been asked to put on hold for works relating to EM works by NEEPCO during sept 04.

Present Status:As regards progress in respect of the Tuirial hydro project, all project activities are currently abandoned because of the adverse law and order situation in the region arising out of the agitation launched by the Tuirial Crop Compensation Claimants Association (TCCA) for higher compensation for their crop likely to be affected by the project after commencement of work on the project. The agitation was called off conditionally in August, 2004. Moreover, cancellation of the award of hydromechanical package to M/s Alstom Power , Portugal on account of non-signing of the agreement by the said firm has led to wrangling with the firm approaching the Hon’ble Guwahati High Court for action against NEEPCO. The case is still subjudice pending final hearing in the matter in the said court. The package will be re-awarded after the court verdict in this regard. All the construction work has been kept suspended since 09.06.2004.

All project activities are currently halted because of the ongoing agitation launched by the Turial Corp., Compensation affected by the project. The issue has been discussed in series of meetings taken by Secretary (Power) in the past. Govt. of Mizoram has agreed for 12% free power. They have agreed to buy entire power @ Rs.3.30-3.50 per unit. Revised estimate has been submitted to MOP.In response to the Govt of Mizoram to provide a special grant of Rs 134 crore for revival of project, the secretary DONER has informed on 16.5.08 to Govt of Mizoram that DONER do not have any provision for providing such grant and suggested to take up the matter with planning commission. The revised estimates at Rs 802.79crore(including IDC) at Jan 08 PL vetted by CEA. The PIB note has also been sunmitted to MOP on 16.2.09. JICA has been terminated on 10th June 09. All outstanding loan has been repaid on 11.08.09. Option for execution of the project through a joint venture company between Govt of Mizoram and NEEPCO is under consideration. all necessary efforts has been taken by NEEPCO for early revival of the project.

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