Imphal, Aug 9 : The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region is ramping up its developmental efforts to boost employment in the region by focusing especially on hydel power generation and the growth of the tourism sector in the region.
The eight northeastern states offer a blend of picturesque landscapes, age-old cultures, exotic food and vast tracts of few world-renowned wildlife and bird sanctuaries to their visitors.
Their remoteness has meant that not much is known about them to the outside world. his offers vast opportunities for investment in tourism and allied sectors to open up the region.
"Tourism is another sector, which is fast growing and has the potential of creating vast avenues for self-employment," Pawan Singh Ghatowar, Union Minister, DoNER
"Northeast is the powerhouse of the country and the region has the maximum avenues of for harnessing hydropower, which is eco-friendly and economical. We have to harness the opportunity given by nature in the region. It is a perennial source of power," he added.
It has been said that the Northeast has the potential to "light up half of India".ome of the hydel power projects in the region include-Khandong (50 MW) and Kopili I and II (225 MW) in Assam, Ranganadi (405 MW) in Arunachal Pradesh, Doyang (75 MW) in Nagaland and Loktak (105 MW) of Manipur, Ranjeet (60 MW), Teesta Stage V and Teesta Stage IV of 510 MW and 520 MW each and three power plants in Mizoram, generating a total of 1,526 MW.
It is expected that the Northeast will generate 70,000-mw, once all the projects take off.
North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO) and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation are working in coordination to promote the region as a powerhouse of the country.