The Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs of Nagaland, K.G. Kenye, has been said to be camping in Delhi where he is in active discussions with senior officials from the Ministry of Power, Government of India, seeking central intervention and support to address persistent power shortages in the State.
The Minister’s PRO informed that Kenye is emphasizing the immense potential of Nagaland’s largely untapped hydroelectric resources, which have remained underutilized due to significant infrastructural and logistical barriers.
It has been informed that in Delhi, Kenye is advocating for Nagaland’s power development projects under the scheme “Budgetary Support for the Cost of Enabling Infrastructure for Hydro Electric Projects (HEP)“, a Central Government initiative aimed at accelerating the development of hydroelectric power, particularly in remote and hilly regions like Nagaland.
This scheme offers financial assistance for the development of essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transmission lines, and communication networks—critical prerequisites for any hydroelectric power venture. The PRO highlighted that in September 2024, the Union Cabinet approved a proposal to modify and enhance this scheme, earmarking ₹12,461 crore for the nation, of which ₹4,136 crore has been allocated to the Northeastern States. This funding will be implemented from FY 2024-25 through FY 2031-32. The revised scheme is designed to address the unique challenges faced by remote areas like Nagaland, providing support not only for physical infrastructure but also for the technical framework required to integrate power generation into the national grid.
Nagaland’s energy vision extends beyond the immediate need to alleviate power shortages, aiming for long-term sustainable energy development. A key element of this strategy is leveraging Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to facilitate the state’s equity participation in joint ventures with Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs). This collaborative model will enable the development of large- scale hydroelectric projects, unlocking Nagaland’s full energy potential. The scheme also encourages private sector involvement and includes provisions for pumped storage projects (PSPs), which will help stabilize the grid and enhance the integration of renewable energy sources. These modifications could position Nagaland’s hydroelectric sector as a significant driver of socio-economic growth in the state, the press release stated.
The PRO further informed that in addition to his engagements with the Ministry of Power, Kenye also met with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to explore the potential for Small Hydro Power (SHP) projects in the Northeastern Region. The geographic landscape of Nagaland, characterized by numerous small rivers and streams, makes it ideally suited for SHP projects. While larger states can rely on massive rivers for large-scale hydroelectric dams, the Northeastern states stand to benefit from SHP projects that are more compatible with their smaller water bodies.
Although the MNRE already has a program dedicated to the development of SHP under its renewable energy initiatives, the program has been stalled in the Northeastern Region for over a decade. Kenye has urged the Ministry to revive and expedite these long-pending SHP projects. During his discussions with the MNRE Secretary, Nagaland’s Power Minister emphasized the need for enhanced central support to scale these smaller projects across the Northeastern states. By focusing on SHP, the State can harness clean energy from its rivers, create localized employment opportunities, and ensure that off-grid communities benefit from the electricity generated, thus contributing to rural development in the region.
