In 1998, when the 49-year old Mr Manik Sarkar became the Chief Minister of Tripura for the first term; he chose natural gas-based electricity – both in terms of generation and distribution – as one of the planks for growth.
It was time when the State was producing well below 100 MW and the distribution map was largely restricted in Agartala city.
Nearly one-and-a-half decades down the line, with distribution network connecting every nook and corner of the state and the total gas-based generation capacity set to reach a little less than 1,000 MW in a year; Tripura shifts its focus on other gas-based industries such as petrochemicals, fertiliser, methanol for growth.
No to power
“We will not allow setting up any new power plants in the state as our capacities far outstrip our demand projections for at least a decade,” Mr Sarkar told
His vision is clear. As in 2014, the power capacities under commissioning will utilise nearly 5 mmscmd of gas.
This will nearly exhaust the existing production potential of ONGC from the pre-NELP blocks.
But the state sniffs more gas flow in the future from the NELP blocks under exploration. And, that must be used to generate employment in Tripura.
“We were lobbying for a chemical fertiliser unit in the state since NDA rule at the Centre. The then fertiliser minister was considerate to our view. Since private sector did not show much interest in the state, the Centre asked Kribhco to conduct a feasibility study.
However, nothing happened on ground,” the Chief Minister said.
With investment climate changing rapidly post OTPC investments, he revived his demands.
And, now, ONGC and the Hyderabad-based NSL are actively considering setting up facilities using ONGC gas find at Kubal NELP block.
Bangladesh, a key market
While inordinate delay on the part of the Centre in widening the NH-44 the only land route connecting the state with the rest of the country has remained a hurdle for industrial growth of Tripura; Mr Sarkar is banking on the increasing ties with Bangladesh and the proposed right to access Chittagong sea port (in Bangladesh) for unleashing future growth.
He draws his inspiration from the ongoing extension of railway line to Sabroom on the southern border and the rapid progress in discussion between the two nations for constructing a bridge on river Feni (in Tripura) that should play a key role in proposed extension of the rail link from Sabroom to Chittagong.
Should the recent delay in signing Teesta Water sharing accord, due to objections from West Bengal, be a spoilsport? An astute politician, Mr Sarkar refuses to comment on issues concerning other states and the Union Government. But, he is confident that improved regional cooperation is a writing on the wall.
“It will happen because people of both the countries demand better relations,” he says and refers the recent experience of Mr Jitendra Chaudhury in Bangladesh.
“He was literally gheraoed by Bangladeshis demanding faster progress in trade and commerce between the nations,” the Chief Minister said.
Rising Aspirations
The Left Front government has definitely brought in far-reaching changes in the lives of a state that was till recently regarded as an epitome of backwardness. In a state which hardly had a degree college; came up a slew of private engineering or management institutions. Should this rising aspiration level create fresh challenges before the political leadership, now awaiting re-election in early 2013?
Mr. Sarkar is unfazed. “We roused the aspirations and we should ensure adequate growth to accommodate it,” he says.