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The North-East region with its sparse population and thickly forested hilly terrain and a large number of small rivers has traditionally been viewed as a major potential area for renewable sources of energy. The demand for energy is highly decentralised and is mostly in the household sector as the level of industrial activity is relatively low. Cooking, heating, lighting and electricity are the main requirements for energy in the North-East. Potential and Achievements 12.2
Although the North -East offers a large potential in renewables,
the region is still largely unexplored. Some estimates of the potential
for small hydro, biogas and improved chulhas only have been made. Financial Allocations and Expenditure 12.3 As per the Prime Minister's initiatives, 10 per cent of budgetary support is earmarked for development of the North -East including Sikkim, since 1997-98. During the 9th Plan, a total allocation of Rs.90.38 crore was made for the North -Eastern region against which an expenditure of Rs.128.39 crore was incurred. The programme-wise expenditure incurred during the 9th Plan period is given in Table 12.2. 12.4 Major initiatives taken by MNES in the North-East region for promotion of renewables: Village Electrification Programme in the North - East 3943 of the over 7,500 unelectrified villages are remote and non-feasible for grid power and 81.54% of the 47.04 lakh households in the region have no electricity. A massive village electrification programme is being undertaken for tapping available natural resources for providing electricity in remote and far-flung areas. MNES provides CFA up to 90% for undertaking the village electrification programme through non-conventional energy sources. Setting up of State Nodal Agencies in NE States including Sikkim A scheme for setting up /strengthening of State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) in North-Eastern States is operational since October 1998 to create dedicated agencies to strengthen the planning, co-ordination, implementation and monitoring of renewable energy programmes in the North-East. A one-time grant of Rs.50 lakh for the construction of an office building, Rs.7 lakh for equipment and Rs.14.20 lakh to meet recurring expenditure is provided every year for each state. At present, all North-Eastern States have SNAs in position. |
The achievements made under various programmes in the NE region
till 31.12.02 are given in Table 12.1.
