The 1 MW Ponglefo Small Hydro Electric Project (SHP) at Salomi village under Kiphire district was formally inaugurated on June 5, aligning with World Environment Day. The project was jointly inaugurated in a virtual ceremony by Nagaland Minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, from Kohima, and physically by Advisor for Fire & Emergency Services, Home Guards & Civil Defence, S. Kiusumew Yimchunger at the project site.
Minister KG Kenye, speaking virtually from the NIC Conference Hall at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, highlighted the indispensable role of power in modern life, stating that energy drives everything — from charging mobile phones to enabling space missions. “Power sustains life and is the driving force behind all development,” he emphasized.
Stressing on the importance of power in the modern world, Kenye said the demand for energy is required from charging our smallest gadgets of mobile phones to lighting a single light bulb to our journey and missions in space are made possible by energy and by power.
He also highlighted the abundance of natural resources in the State and said that it was time to focus and concentrate on exploring and tapping the potentials of our natural resources. He stated that all small and mini hydro projects including solar, bio or any kind of clean energy producing avenues will be explored for production and generation of energy in our state.
He further said that doors will be open for the international community to invest in the power sector, especially focusing on the sector of production and energy generation.
The Ponglefo SHP is a run-of-the-river project developed by the Department of Power, Nagaland, and designed to generate approximately 3.9 million units (MU) of electricity annually. Located on the Likimo River, a tributary of the Tizu River, the plant taps into the natural water flow without the need for large-scale damming, making it an environmentally friendly energy solution.
The project was funded jointly by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, the North Eastern Council (NEC) and the State Government. It consists of two generating units of 500 KW each, using horizontal Francis turbines. The power plant is supported by well-designed civil structures and an advanced electro-mechanical system all tailored to the region’s challenging terrain. Connected to the state grid, the Ponglefo SHP will play an important role in improving the power supply in the region and promoting economic development. The project also represents the Government’s effort to promote renewable energy, empower rural areas and to ensure sustainable development in the State.
During the program, Minister Kenye unveiled the inauguration plaque and virtually switched on the power machine to mark the operational launch of the plant.
A technical report on the project was also presented by Chief Engineer of the Power Department, Er Kasho Chishi.
Kiusumeiw physically inaugurates Ponglefo SHP at Salomi
Advisor Fire and Emergency Services Home Guard Civil Defence Relief and Rehabilitation, S Kiusumew Yimchunger with department officials and Salomi Village Council during the inauguration of IMW Hydro Project at Salomi, Pungro Kiphire on June 5. (DIPR)
While physically inaugurating the 1 MW Ponglifo Small Hydro Project at Salomi village under Kiphire district, Advisor Fire and Emergency Services Home Guard Civil Defence Relief and Rehabilitation, S Kiusumew Yimchunger stated that Chief Minister, Dr Neiphiu Rio and Power Minister, GK Kenye have played a pivotal role in making the dream come true. He acknowledged them for their unwavering commitment in creating revenue generating projects across the state from different projects and schemes.
He also acknowledged Salomi Village Council and villagers for their cooperation towards the government for the successful completion of this project, and said the Department assured cooperation in bringing employment and proper road infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of the Power department, Er N Myingthungo, Executive Engineer (generation), Kohima said this achievement not only offers generating power projects, but also the celebration of progress, sustainability and collective efforts. Although the project is in a modest capacity is friendlier to the environment, harnessing the rich hydropower potential of the state through renewable and environment friendly means.
He also said that the 1 MW Small Hydro Project (SHP) is a grid- connected run-of-the-river hydroelectric project with an install capacity of 1 MW, developed to harness small hydro power potential to enhance clean energy generation and strengthen the power infrastructure of Nagaland.
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He extended appreciation to the elders, leaders and villagers of Salomi for their unwavering cooperation and goodwill, which acted as an instrumental in making the Project reality. He also encouraged the community, administration and technical department to stay connected with a shared vision in order to make this project not only to bring power, but opportunities through improved livelihood, better services and infrastructure development. He also sought the same spirit of cooperation with the department even in the future initiative.
Chairman Salomi Village Council shared that this achievement has come into reality because of the efforts made from all sections, government, department, employees, company, stakeholders and villagers. He thanked all who have committed to making this project, especially the department and the government.
Asserting that the government has put so much effort in making this project a reality, he urged the government and the department to make this project successful living, and also solve any problem that may arise. He also stressed on infrastructure development like roads to make it easy for the employees to carry out tasks regularly.
While a note of gratitude was delivered by Er. Chophathung Kithan, SDO (generation) Likhimro and Kidemong, Pastor Salomi Baptist Church pronounced the benediction.
