Use of generators, solar energy suggested

In presence of State Minister of Power Ikbal Hassan Mahmud, the issue fell into a controversy with some of the speakers saying supplying power to remote areas from the National Grid would not be commercially viable.

Alternatives which would be more cost effective for the rural hill people should be studied, they suggested.

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The DDCL (Development Design Consultant Ltd.), a REB-assigned firm, recently conducted a survey, which said the Tk 413 crore project, estimated earlier for power supply from the National Grid, would not be commercially viable for this region with scattered human habitations.

CHT Regional Council Chairman Jiotirindra Bodhiprya Larma, Deputy Minister for CHT Affairs Moni Swapon Dewan, CHT Development Board Chairman Wadood Bhuiyan, Rangamati Hill District Council Chairman Maniklal Dewan, Khagrachhari Hill District Council Chairman Nakshatryalal Dev Burman and government officials joined the workshop, held at the conference hall at Rangamati Deputy Commissioner's office.

Moni Swapon suggested a study to set up small hydro-electric power plants based on flow of water from streams. He also suggested more effective utilisation of Kaptai hydro-electric plant for power supply to the hill people.

However, the REB proposed that setting up of small isolated diesel generators and promoting electricity from solar energy would be more effective for the hills. Five sub-stations, 2000 KVA diesel generators and 2149.77 km distribution lines would be needed for the entire CHT region, the study presented by DDC engineer M A Matin said.

The workshop was presided over by REB chairman AKM Helauzzaman. REB Director Nazmul Hosain Choudhury also spoke.