Arunachal Deputy CM announces 12,500 MW hydropower projects in two years

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein announced that hydropower projects with 12,500 MW combined installed capacity are set to start operations within the next two years, as per a statement issued on September 11. 

The Deputy CM, during the Solung festival celebrations at Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district on September 10 informed that the projects will be taken up by CPSUs, including NHPC, NEEPCO, THDC and SJVN. 

He said that five such projects will commence next year, while three each will be taken up in 2026 and 2027.

“These will meet the power needs of the state as well as the nation and will foster rapid economic development in the state,” he said, adding that large dams would also bring multiple benefits to the state as they are all multipurpose projects.

"We will not only harness power from these projects but also regulate water flow downstream and harness water for irrigation purposes and fisheries,” he said.

These projects will boost tourism and employment generation in the state.

Mein said the state would generate income to the tune of Rs 1,836 crore annually as equity shares from the projects.

The revenue accrued from the hydropower projects in the state will benefit the young generations, he said.

The deputy chief minister claimed that the government is also committed to develop small hydro projects in border villages of the state.

“These hydro projects will benefit remote villages, defence personnel and military set-up stationed in far-flung areas,” he said.

Mein also highlighted the state government’s initiatives to boost economic activities, including advancements in the tourism sector through the construction of the 218-kilometre Assam-Arunachal railway line passing through the sacred pilgrimage site of Parsuram Kund.