Aizawl, Dec 22: The Mizoram government has decided to privatize or outsource seven small hydel power plants due to rising maintenance costs, a Power and Electricity Department official said on Sunday. Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced the decision on Saturday while inaugurating a 10-MW solar power plant at Thenzawl in Serchhip district, noting that outsourcing would help reduce high upkeep expenses.

The decision has drawn criticism from the opposition Congress. Former legislator T.T. Zothansanga said the move could harm Mizoram’s interests, citing the revenue potential of the state’s hydro projects. Mizoram currently operates 14 hydroelectric plants totaling over 100 MW, built under various administrations, including the 12-MW Serlui-B project in Kolasib district.

Meanwhile, the government will soon begin constructing two major hydel projects: a 24-MW facility on the Tuirini river, 60 km from Aizawl, at an estimated cost of Rs 676 crore, and a 132-MW plant on the Tuivai river in Saitual district near the Manipur border, estimated at Rs 2,400 crore and expected to generate 380 MU annually. Lalduhoma said the Tuirini project’s foundation stone will be laid soon, while planning for Tuivai is progressing steadily.

The chief minister also announced six new solar parks totaling 66 MW across the state. Mizoram currently imports most of its electricity, primarily from Tripura, at an annual cost of Rs 400 crore. The state’s power demand grows 7.6% annually, with peak demand reaching 160 MW. The Zoram People’s Movement government has committed to keeping tariffs unchanged for five years to ensure affordable energy for weaker sections and small businesses.