BL cited Mr Jairam Ramesh minister of State for Commerce and Power as saying that Assam government will soon enter into a JV agreement with North Eastern Electric Power Corporation for setting up a 500 MW thermal power plant in Margherita.

Mr Ramesh said that Neepco will hold 51% stake and the State Government the balance in the JV if the Centre’s proposal is accepted.

He said that “The first phase capacity will be 250 MW to be followed another plant of the same capacity subsequently and we hope to finalize the JV agreement by October 15th.”

He pointed out that Margherita coal has high sulphur and needed special environment control technology. He said that “The Chief Minister insisted on incorporating a special clause so that the best environmental control technology is introduced. The cost could work out to be INR 4.5 crore per MW to 5 crore per MW.”