Agartala, Oct 10: Tripura has set a target to restore the Dumboor hydropower plant and generate 10-11 MW of electricity, with an investment of Rs 100 crore and work scheduled to begin in December this year, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Saturday.
The minister announced the plan while addressing a one-day Community Awareness Programme on Dam Safety at the Gumti Hydro Electric Project in Tirthamukh.
Nath said the hydropower plant was severely damaged by floods in 2024, prompting the state government to initiate a detailed assessment of its condition.
A survey was subsequently conducted with assistance from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), IIT Guwahati, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). An underwater robot was also brought from Kerala to examine the dam's condition, he said.
"We have already undertaken a plan to generate 10 to 11 MW of power, for which Rs 100 crore will be spent. The work will begin this December," Nath said.
The minister said the project, constructed 56 years ago, initially had three generating units with a combined capacity of 15 MW. However, power generation gradually declined, and the state government managed to restore generation to around 2-3 MW after assuming office.
He also highlighted the importance of dam safety, noting that India enacted the Dam Safety Act in 2021, with regular pre- and post-monsoon inspections being conducted to prevent potential risks.
"Ensuring the safety of people living downstream is our highest priority," Nath said, adding that coordination among officials was essential for effective monitoring and maintenance of dams.
The minister said the Gomati River originates in the Dumboor area, where the Raima and Saima rivers converge. The reservoir, which has 48 lakes, is also an important centre for fish cultivation, supporting the livelihoods of thousands of people.
Nath further said the state Cabinet had decided to install BSNL network facilities and mobile towers in areas lacking connectivity, with work expected to begin soon.
MLAs, MDCs, TSECL Managing Director Biswajit Basu, CRPF and NDRF officials, and representatives of the National Dam Safety Authority attended the programme.
