The Mizoram government has decided to outsource or privatise seven small hydropower plants due to high maintenance costs, according to officials from the state Power and Electricity department.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced the decision during the inauguration of a 10 MW solar power plant at Thenzawl in Serchhip district, stating that the move would ultimately benefit the state.
The decision has faced criticism from the opposition Congress, which argues that the plants are revenue-generating assets. Former Congress legislator T.T. Zothansanga highlighted that Mizoram has 14 hydropower projects with a combined capacity of over 100 MW, many of which generate income for the state.
Alongside outsourcing smaller plants, the government plans to construct two major hydel projects:
24 MW project on the Tuirini river
132 MW project on the Tuivai river
The combined investment for these projects is expected to exceed ₹4,000 crore.
Additionally, Mizoram is planning six new solar parks totalling 66 MW. Once completed, these hydel and solar initiatives are projected to significantly reduce the state’s dependence on imported power, for which Mizoram currently spends about ₹400 crore annually.
These steps are part of the state’s broader strategy to enhance energy self-sufficiency, lower power costs, and strengthen its renewable energy footprint.
