Shillong, July 3: Power Minister A.T. Mondal today said the state government is optimistic about reviving the long-pending Kynshi Hydro Power Project under the original Run-of-River (RoR) model.

The Joint Committee of Local People on Kynshi Hydro Power Project (JCLPKHPP) met Mondal today.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mondal said, “We had a very fruitful meeting. I am very happy they expressed their views and ideas. The most important thing is that the local people now want to cooperate with the department and the agency that will execute the project. I am very optimistic because we need more generation. Without generation, we cannot enhance our power position.”

He explained that the project was initially allotted to M/s Athena Pvt Ltd under the RoR model. However, a proposal was later made to convert it into a hybrid model—combining RoR and Pump Storage Project (PSP)—which delayed implementation due to lack of provisions in the state’s power policy and the earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

“The old MoU was based only on the Run-of-River model. As they wanted to add the PSP component, and since our earlier power policy didn’t include PSP, the cabinet decided to scrap the old MoU. Now, they want to revert to the original RoR model without the PSP. So, we’ll have to take it to cabinet again to reinstate the old MoU,” Mondal said.

He clarified that no fresh MoU has been signed yet, but the government plans to revive the old one. “There is no new MoU. The old MoU, which was signed years back, will continue,” he stated.

When asked about the power generation capacity, Mondal said the company is working on the details and will inform the government soon. “They will be coming back with the specifics on generation capacity. Hopefully, we will move forward based on that,” he added.

Regarding ownership, Mondal confirmed, “It will be owned by the company. The state government will get 12% free power, and 1% free power will be used for local area development.”

He also welcomed the suggestion to hold a joint meeting involving all stakeholders. “Yes, one of the agenda points was to hold a joint meeting. I told them I will try my best. It is good for both sides to understand each other,” he said.

When asked about the number of landowners to be affected, Mondal replied, “I cannot say now. This will be ascertained once the submersible area is finalised.”

Mondal further informed that the department has been directed to actively coordinate with the local committee. “It is not only about signing the MoU, but they should also execute the project,” he stressed.

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