Shillong: The Meghalaya government expects the Umiam-Umtru Stage-III Power Station to go online by September 2026. The site currently sits in the middle of a massive renovation, modernization, and uprating effort. Work began in April 2025. This project remains off the grid, contributing zero power during the ongoing construction phase.
Previous upgrades finished years ago. Crews wrapped up the Umiam Stage-I project in January 2003 and finished the Umiam Stage-II station in January 2012. State officials are now processing a separate proposal to renovate and upgrade the Umiam-Umtru Stage-IV station. The New Umtru Hydro Electric Project remains active, having started operations in 2017.
Hydropower output dipped sharply this year. Rain dictates production. Deficient rainfall and the Stage-III shutdown dragged down total generation numbers.
Separately, the FKJGP Ranikor Circle issued a one-month ultimatum to the state government. They want payment for farmers hit by wild elephant attacks. The group met in Ranikor after local officials failed to address crop destruction reported just months ago. Farmers have been waiting for cash since last year despite providing bank details to Forest department staff. FKJGP Ranikor Circle general secretary Balse Kharbani said, "Farmers affected by attacks since last year are yet to receive any financial assistance." Kharbani specifically pushed for payment regarding betel nut trees, which take seven years to grow.
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