Meghalaya likely to revive Kynshi Stage I hydro project

The Government of Meghalaya is likely to reinstate the old Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Athena Energy Ventures Private Limited (AEVPL) for the implementation of the Kynshi Stage I Hydro Electric Project. The project will be located on the Kynshi River and developed on a run-of-the-river (RoR) basis.

The original MoU with AEVPL was scrapped after the company proposed a hybrid Pumped Storage Project (PSP) model, which was not covered under the state’s existing power policy at the time. However, following the state’s recent revision of its power policy to include PSP, Athena has opted to revert to the original RoR configuration, stating that improved technology now makes the RoR model viable without the PSP component.

State Power Minister A.T. Mondal confirmed the update, stating that since the cabinet cancelled the earlier MoU, a new cabinet decision is required to revive it formally.

Once implemented, the state government will receive 12 per cent of the generated power free of cost. An additional 1 per cent will be earmarked for local area development.

Meanwhile, the Joint Committee of Local People on Kynshi Hydro Power Project (JCLPKHPP) met with Mr. Mondal and submitted a memorandum urging the government to expedite the project. The committee stressed the need to avoid further delays.