Shillong, Oct 23: A proposal for increasing the capacity of under-construction 3MW Riangdo mini hydel project in West Khasi Hills district is under examination, said power minister Abu Taher Mondal on Tuesday.
The MePDCL has already prepared the DPR for expansion of the project up to 6MW capacity, according to the minister.
Penstock and power house are some of the work yet to be completed in the 3MW plant.
The government also received positive feedback from National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) on the proposed expansion, the minister said, adding IIT Roorkee also sent a report in this regard.
“If found feasible, we will go for augmentation of the project up to 6MW,” he said adding, “Now we are waiting for the feasibility report.”
The present run-of-the-river project is in two stages 1.5MW in each stage, and it’s been proposed as 2 x 3MW.
In that case, the present two turbines will suffice, without having to extend the powerhouse, but in case of a 4 x 1.5MW plant powerhouse has to be extended, he said.
Chief minister Conrad Sangma accompanied by then power minister James Sangma laid the foundation stone for the Riangdo mini hydel project in 2020.
