Meghalaya Government Advances Leshka Stage-II Hydroelectric Project Discussions

Shillong, India Jul 17, 2026 ALN: The Meghalaya government is aiming to significantly enhance the state’s power generation capacity, with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday giving the green signal to initiate discussions on the proposed Leshka Stage-II hydroelectric project and other initiatives.

The decision was taken during a review meeting of the Power Department as part of the government’s weekly departmental monitoring exercise. This meeting is part of a broader strategy by the Meghalaya government to address the state’s energy needs and ensure sustainable development through enhanced power generation capabilities.

The Leshka Stage-II hydroelectric project is a continuation of the initial Leshka project, which has already been a significant contributor to the state's power supply. Hydroelectric projects are vital for Meghalaya, given the state's abundant water resources and hilly terrain, which are conducive to generating hydroelectric power. The proposed project is expected to harness the power of the region's rivers, providing a renewable energy source that aligns with national goals for sustainable energy development.

Sangma stated that the government reviewed proposals to augment power generation through the Leshka Stage-II project as well as by expanding the capacity of existing commissioned projects. The focus on both new projects and the enhancement of existing ones reflects a comprehensive approach to energy management in the state.

“We have given the green signal to move ahead with discussions and explore how we can augment power generation, especially by strengthening projects that have already been commissioned,” he said. This proactive approach indicates the government's commitment to not only meeting current energy demands but also anticipating future needs as the state continues to grow economically.

The government also reviewed the implementation of key Central schemes, including PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) and PM Surya Ghar, with the objective of expanding their reach during the current financial year. These schemes are critical in promoting renewable energy and improving energy access across rural areas, where conventional energy sources may be limited.

Sangma emphasized that the PM-KUSUM scheme, which provides solar-powered irrigation pumps, has immense potential to improve agricultural productivity by providing farmers with reliable and affordable irrigation facilities. The integration of solar energy into agricultural practices is expected to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower operational costs for farmers, and enhance crop yields, ultimately contributing to food security in the region.

The government has set targets to substantially increase the number of beneficiaries under the scheme. This ambition aligns with national objectives to empower farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices, showcasing a holistic approach to rural development.

Similarly, the PM Surya Ghar programme, which promotes rooftop solar installations through Central subsidies, was reviewed to identify ways to improve implementation and encourage greater public participation. By facilitating access to solar technology, the government aims to reduce electricity costs for households and promote energy independence.

The Chief Minister mentioned that the state would work closely with implementing agencies and empanelled suppliers to ensure that more eligible households can avail themselves of the scheme. This collaborative approach is essential for maximizing the impact of these initiatives and ensuring that the benefits reach the intended recipients.

Another major area of discussion was the financial health of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL). Sangma expressed satisfaction over the corporation’s performance and noted that its financial position has improved considerably over the past few years. The health of MeECL is crucial for the state's overall energy landscape, as it is responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity across Meghalaya.

According to him, the corporation is now regularly servicing its loans and interest liabilities, while ensuring timely payment of salaries, pensions, and dues to power-generating agencies. Revenue collection has also witnessed significant improvement. This financial stability is vital for fostering investor confidence and attracting further investments into the state's energy sector.

“The overall financial stability of MeECL has improved to a very large extent. As we continue clearing our past liabilities, we expect that in the next five to six years, the corporation will attain a much stronger financial position, which will greatly benefit the power sector and the state as a whole,” he said. This optimism about future financial health suggests that the government is committed to long-term strategic planning in the energy sector.

The review also focused on improving operational efficiency within MeECL, particularly on the demand side. Sangma stated that the government was exploring measures to reduce power consumption through better demand management, improve efficiency across the distribution system, and minimize wastage of electricity. Such measures are critical in a state where energy demand is expected to increase due to economic growth and urbanization.

“There are many ways in which we can make the demand side more efficient by promoting power conservation and improving the overall efficiency of the system. These measures will go a long way in strengthening the department,” he said. Emphasizing energy conservation aligns with global trends towards sustainability and responsible resource management.

He added that the Power Department had been tasked with preparing detailed action plans and that the government would continue reviewing progress on a regular basis. This structured approach to monitoring and evaluation is essential for ensuring that initiatives are effectively implemented and that objectives are met.

Earlier, the Chief Minister reviewed the functioning of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, with discussions centered on increasing livestock production, narrowing the gap between demand and supply, and improving the livelihoods of farmers. This highlights the government's multifaceted approach to development, addressing not only energy needs but also agricultural and rural development.

Sangma indicated that the government is working towards creating greater opportunities for entrepreneurs to invest in the livestock sector while enhancing income-generation avenues for farmers. By fostering entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors, the government aims to stimulate economic growth and create jobs in rural areas.

He noted that the review examined measures to address manpower shortages, ensure adequate supply of animal feed, strengthen vaccination programmes, and improve veterinary infrastructure, including veterinary hospitals across the state. These initiatives are crucial for enhancing animal health and productivity, which in turn supports the livelihoods of farmers and contributes to food security.

“The objective is to reduce the demand-supply gap while creating more livelihood opportunities for our farmers and encouraging entrepreneurs to invest in the sector. We will review the action plan again in the coming weeks,” he said. This commitment to ongoing review and adjustment of strategies underscores the government's dedication to responsive and effective governance.