by Bhupen Goswami

 GUWAHATI : Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today inaugurated the 70 MW Amguri Solar Park in a bid to strengthen the power sector of the state with focus on renewable energy. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that inspite of having immense natural resources, the state lagged behind in tapping the potential in the renewable energy sector due to lack of proper planning. He said that the Amguri Solar Park will give further boost the power sector and this project will always remain a milestone in the history of the state. Stating that to realize sustainable development, there is a need to harness the potential of renewable energy. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi while stressing on the importance of renewable energy urged the states to focus on tapping available potential in this sector.

He observed that the Amguri Solar Park will have a positive impact towards this. Saying that there is a demand for 2200 MW of power in the state, the Chief Minister informed that efforts are on to meet the demand through exploring the hydroelectric and solar power potential. He also said that the state is heading towards generating 1000 MW power in the state. The Chief Minister further said that the state government from the beginning made efforts to give a new momentum to the power sector as a result of which the state is making profit in this sector. He also said that the state government continued its efforts to ensure ease of living for the people and initiatives like Orunodoi helps in that regard. He also informed that steps are being taken to increase the monthly amount given to beneficiaries under this scheme upto Rs. 1250 out of which the beneficiaries would be able to pay Rs. 250 as electricity bill. Moreover, 7 lakh more eligible persons will be covered under Orunodoi and in Amguri alone 7 thousand such beneficiaries would be included. He also said that the state government procured 3 lakh MT rice at MSP directly from farmers.

The Chief Minister also asked the power department officials to strengthen the transmission line and install adequate number of transformers to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the people of Amguri. He announced that the hospital at Amguri would be upgraded to 100 beds. He also announced Rs. 2 crore for Amguri Kendriya Natya Mandir and Rs. 7 crore for Inspection Bunglow at Amguri. While Chief Secretary Jishnu Baruah delivered the welcome speech, Power Minister Bimal Bora also spoke on the occasion. Revenue Minister Jogen Mohan, MP Topon Kumar Gogoi and Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MLAs Pradip Hazarika, Dharmeswar Konwar, Sushanta Borgohain, senior officials of the power department were present in the programme.