Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced the revival of the Dumboor power plant to generate 11 MW while pushing solar adoption under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. With declining gas reserves, the state targets installing solar panels in 50,000 households to generate 150 MW of clean energy.
Tripura is making a decisive transition towards renewable energy as natural gas reserves—currently the backbone of the state’s electricity generation—continue to decline. Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Friday announced that the state government is working to revive the Dumboor power plant to generate 11 megawatts (MW) of power, while also accelerating efforts to expand solar energy adoption under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Speaking at an awareness camp on the central government’s solar power scheme in Kailasahar, Unakoti District, the Minister emphasized that development must transcend political differences and reach every household. “People may belong to different political parties, but development must be for all,” Nath said, underlining the government’s commitment to inclusive progress.
Dumboor Power Plant Revival
The Dumboor power plant, which earlier produced about 3 MW of electricity, was damaged during last year’s floods, leading to operational disruption. According to the Minister, the state power department is now working to restore and upgrade the facility, with plans to increase capacity to 11 MW.
“Power is mostly generated from gas, air, water, and the sun. In our state, most generation is gas-based. However, gas reserves are decreasing and will eventually be exhausted. Due to this shortage, plants like Rukhia, Palatana, Ramchandra Nagar, and Monarchak are generating less power. Dumboor’s revival is part of our plan to diversify and ensure long-term stability,” Nath explained.
Solar Energy for the Future
Highlighting the urgent need to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, the Minister said that both the state and central governments are prioritizing solar power. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, launched on February 13, 2024, aims to install rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels across India. The scheme not only reduces electricity bills for households but also creates an opportunity to generate extra income by selling surplus energy back to the grid.
“With the installation of solar panels, bills are reduced, and households can even earn money. Solar power can be installed on rooftops, plain lands, and almost anywhere. This is the future, and we must prepare for it,” Nath said.
He also noted that the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) is spearheading awareness campaigns across the state to ensure widespread participation.
Challenges in Consumer Compliance
In Kailasahar, the Minister pointed out a pressing concern: many households are still not paying their electricity bills regularly. He shared that in April, only 40% of consumers paid their bills, while 61% did not. The situation has slightly improved, with about 46.1% now paying bills, but he cautioned that more needs to be done.
“Half of the people still do not pay. We are conducting awareness camps across the state. Everyone must come forward and take advantage of this scheme,” he urged.
Ambitious Targets Ahead
Tripura currently has around 10 lakh electricity consumers, and the government has set a target to install solar panels in 50,000 households in the first phase. This initiative is expected to generate 150 MW of solar power, significantly boosting the state’s renewable energy capacity.
The Minister described this as a “historic scheme” that not only ensures energy security but also provides households with economic benefits. He added that the people of Kailasahar have shown enthusiasm, which gives him confidence that residents of the Unakoti district will adopt the program on a large scale, just like other districts in the state.
Community and Leadership Support
The awareness event saw participation from several local leaders and officials, including MLA Birajit Sinha, Gaurnagar Panchayat Samity Chairman Lakshmi Namah, Vice Chairman Badruzzaman, Municipal Council Chairperson Chopla Debroy, Vice Chairperson Nitish Dey, and TSECL Managing Director Biswajit Basu. Their presence reflected the collective commitment to strengthening Tripura’s renewable energy roadmap.
Reiterating his government’s vision, Nath concluded:
“Our promise is to bring the light of solar power to every home in Tripura. The Prime Minister’s initiative will not only make electricity bills zero but also open doors to additional income. I request everyone to become beneficiaries of this scheme for a brighter future.”
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As Tripura works to balance immediate power restoration with long-term sustainability, the revival of the Dumboor power plant and expansion of solar adoption mark a significant step towards energy security and inclusive development in the state.
