Blessing prayer held at Hydro Electric Project in Gelnal
KANGPOKPI, Oct 5: The Gelnal Hydro Electric Project along Imphal-Tamenglong road in Twilang area, Sadar Hills start functioning again few days back after it has been revived after 20 years.
The Hydro Electric Project which had been set up in the year 1981-82 endowed power to the Twilang populace from 1992 in the area.
However, the proposal of the then Manipur Chief Minister Rishang Keishing to inaugurate the 400 KV Gelnal Hydro Electric Project in October 1993 had regrettably been wilt away due to the alleged eruption of attacked on the Kuki community by the NSCN (IM) in the same year.
It has been alleged that on 13 September, 1993 Gelnal village came under the attacked of NSCN (IM) where 17 people were killed and 12 sustained severe injury while more than 76 houses were burnt down on the fateful day.
Since then, the project and its functioning had been completely ignored by the Governments.
However, with much concerned and keen MANIDERA had initiated measures to revive the Hydro Electric Project in Gelnal for the welfare of the people.
With the enthusiastic efforts and struggles rendered by MANIDERA and the concerned department as well as the people the project has been revived and starts its functioning again after more than 20 years by generating satisfactory power in the area on 28 September, 2015.
Delighted with the revival and functioning of the Hydro Electric Project Chief of Gelnal village Thangsat Khongsai organized a Thanksgiving cum Blessing function on October 4, 2015 at the power house.
The function was attended by Benjamin Lalneisang Saiate, DGM Kangpokpi Division, Gelnal VA members, church leaders and other social leaders of the area.
`The people of Twilang once again experience the exuberance of existing under the luster of power after more than 20 years`, an elated Chief of Gelnal village said while adding that it looks as if we are living in wonderland when we started enjoying the power generated through the project.
He continued that Twilang area (IT. Road) is the `Land of Glum` due to sinewy concerned of the Government for too long which rendered the people of living in the dark for so many years.
With the development and revival of the Hydro Electric Project the people of Twilang area would like to enthusiastically sustain the developmental work on the part of the Government the chief added.
He also urged the state Government and the concerned department to officially inaugurate the Gelnal Hydro Electric Project which was recently revived so as to ensure adequate maintenance supply of sufficient infrastructure and man power to sustain proper functioning of the project.
Gelnal Chief also appeal the general public to render utmost cooperation and support towards the Government and the department concerned while rendering their service for the welfare of the people in the coming days.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/10/gelnal-hydro-electric-project-still-awaits-official-inauguration-even-after-20-years/