Foundation stone for the Riangdo Small Hydro Power Project was laid in West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, on Wednesday.

The foundation stone was laid by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma at Suanggre Hamegam village, Shallang.

Meghalaya Minister in-charge Power James PK Sangma was also present at the foundation laying ceremony.

The Riangdo Small Hydro Power Project is the first power project in the entire West Khasi Hills.

Upon completion the Riangdo Small Hydro Power Project will have an installed capacity of 3.00 MW with two units of 1.5 MW each.

"The project is expected to bring a significant change in the power scenario of the area," Sangma said on the occasion.

Reportedly, the area frequently suffers from power cuts and perpetual voltage fluctuations.

The CM further lauded the efforts of the Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Limited (MePGCL), the land owners and stakeholders for their cooperation and bringing the project to fruition.

"I would like to express my gratitude to all the hard working officials from the MePGCL," Sangma said.

"I also thank the different clans and land owners for their cooperation and the dedication," he added.

"I also appreciate the commitment of the Minister in-charge of Power, that the project could see the light of day," he further said.

"This is a big project and the government is investing around Rs 30 crores," Sangma added.

"The project upon completion will be a great boon to the state’s power sector as a whole," CM Sangma added.

In his address, James Sangma said that it is the endeavour of the State power department to ensure power generating capacity of the State is increased.

"Meghalaya has the potential to the tune of 3000 MW," he added.

"Power sector in Meghalaya is faced with a lot of challenges, but things are set to improve in the near future," he added.

"Three new techno-economic clearances have been accorded to three projects in Meghalaya," he further informed.

"This will increase the installed capacity by additional 30 MW," he added.

"This is a very big achievement for the power department," Sangma asserted.

"The power department is moving from strength to strength to ensure that we are once again a power surplus state," he added.

"Similar future projects will provide a stable supply and enough electricity for everybody," he added.

"Moreover, it will also bring about a means of increased revenue generation for our state," the minister further said.