New Delhi, Aug. 5: In a bid to improve the power scenario in the state, Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga has urged the Centre to “expedite” funding for the 80-MW Bairabi hydroelectric project.

“All the necessary clearances have come through and now only the funding of the project has to be worked out. We will ask the minister to finalise the pattern and sources of funding,” Zoramthanga said before his meeting with Union power minister Anant Geete today.

Bairabi will be the state’s first hydel project. The Mizoram government had earlier requested the North Eastern Council (NEC) to fund the project, estimated to cost nearly Rs 600 crore.

It will generate 80 MW and is located 30 km west of Kolasib over the Tlawng (Dhaleswari) river.

Like other northeastern states, Mizoram is currently deficient in power. Its total output does not exceed 15 MW.

Its requirement of power is met by importing from central sector generating stations, including its share from Rokhia II in Tripura.

Schemes for renovation and modernisation of diesel generating stations at Tuirivang, Khawiva and Serlui and the micro hydel project at Tuipui are under way.

On the possibility of funding from foreign sources, the chief minister said “all options are being kept open and explored.”

Zoramthanga also called on Union human resources development minister Murali Manohar Joshi today to press for funds for the Sarba Siksha Abhiyan (SSA), which seeks to universalise elementary education for children between the ages of six and 14.

Earlier in a resolution, education ministers of the Northeast had asked the Centre to change the funding pattern as the states have to contribute 25 per cent of the total outlay.

The ministers proposed that the states’ share be met from the non-lapsable central pool of resources.