Shillong, Feb 26: The Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP), aimed at boosting dam safety and performance, has been 32% complete and on track for completion by 2028, Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh informed the Assembly on Thursday.
In reply to a query, Lyngdoh said, “Meghalaya is one of the 18 states included under DRIP Phase-II and Phase-III with a financial outlay of Rs 441 crore allotted to MePGCL.”
The project, funded by the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, aims to improve the safety and operational performance of four dams: Umiam Stage-I, Umiam-Umtru Stage-III, Umiam-Umtru Stage-IV, and Myntdu Leshka Stage-I.
“The objective of the DRIP-II is to improve the safety and operational performance of selected existing dams and associated appurtenances in a sustainable manner,” Lyngdoh added.
The project is being implemented with a funding pattern that includes 80% loan from the World Bank and 20% counterpart funding by the Government of Meghalaya.
“The project is currently 32% complete and expected to be finished by 2028,” the minister said while informing that a budget provision of Rs 70 crore has been made to meet the project’s expenses.
He assured that the government is committed to ensure its timely completion.
