SHILLONG:
The Brahmaputra Board, which is studying the feasibility of a multipurpose project on the Simsang River in Garo Hills, has ruled out the viability of the project on the river.
“We are doing a survey for a 65 MW hydel power project on the Simsang River. Earlier, we had considered a multipurpose project which would have included navigation, irrigation and tourism. But that won’t be feasible,” said an official of the Board.
The state government had entrusted the Brahmaputra Board to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) but due to shortage of manpower, the remaining work on the DPRs was entrusted to WAPCOS, he said.
He also added that due to the Covid-19 pandemic the survey was hampered and the preparation of the DPR was delayed, and now, it will be completed by December 23.
The Board, however, hinted that there is some scope for tourism activity on the Simsang.
The study by the Board was aimed at making recommendations and submitting a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for development of the Simsang River waterway, so that trade and navigation (cargo and passengers) could be carried out for the economic development of the region.
The Simsang Dam Project is proposed to be developed as a multipurpose scheme/project at Rongkhandi near Nangalbibra township under East Garo hills district.