Shillong, March 7 (IANS): Meghalaya, which was once a power surplus state, is facing a power deficit of 20-30 percent of the demand.

"The power scenario has been a cause of concern during the last few years. The state has been facing a power deficit to the extent of 20-30 percent of the demand," Governor K.K. Paul said Friday in his address to the Meghalaya legislative assembly, marking the start of the budget session.

However, he said the government has taken steps to augment the generation capacity as well as the transmission network to draw additional power from the North Eastern Grid.

"Survey and investigation of the 280 MW Kynshi Hydro Electric project and the 90 MW Mawphu project is underway and the detailed project reports are expected soon," he said.

"Steps have also been initiated for implementation of the 240 MW Thermal Power Project in Garo Hills under the IPP mode.

"The government plans to tap all resources including free power entitlements from all generating stations even though they may be operated by the non-state government agencies in order to ensure turnaround of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd (MeECL)," he said.

Paul said the government is also encouraging the development of efficient and clean energy and the growth of non-conventional energy.

He said there is an urgent need for augmenting the state's generating capacity and to improve and strengthen revenue flows.

"To achieve this end, the state has been implementing the power policy and it is expected that this will ultimately help to achieve the desired results," he added.

Paul said 'Mission Green' was launched with the objective of encouraging students and youths to popularise the use of renewable sources of energy in the state.