Guwahati, Nov 10: In a move to ensure that large hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh evolve with a human face, Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul on Monday visited the Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand to study its acclaimed Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) model.
The visit was part of an initiative to incorporate best practices into the upcoming 1,200 MW Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project in Anjaw district — one of the biggest proposed hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh.
Pul interacted with senior officials of THDC India Ltd, including Chief Technology Officer L.P. Joshi, General Manager Vijai Sehgal, DGMs Mohan Singh Sirswal, Ganesh Bhatt, Nand Kishore, and PR Manager Manveer Negi, along with Tehri district administration officials led by Tehsildar Dhanveer.
She said the visit provided “valuable exposure” to the land acquisition procedures, livelihood restoration programmes, and socio-economic rehabilitation measures implemented during Tehri’s construction.
“The learnings from Tehri will be crucial in developing a socially responsible and sustainable R&R roadmap for the Kalai-II project,” Pul said, emphasising that Arunachal’s hydropower expansion must go hand in hand with community welfare and cultural sensitivity.
Highlighting that development “cannot come at the cost of people’s livelihoods,” Pul added that the government’s aim is to balance progress with compassion.
Standing 260.5 metres tall on the Bhagirathi River, the Tehri Dam is among India’s tallest and most complex hydropower structures, generating over 1,000 MW of electricity. Executed by THDC India Ltd, it has been widely recognised for its comprehensive resettlement and rehabilitation efforts that supported thousands of displaced families.
The Kalai-II project, proposed on the Lohit River, is expected to cost around Rs 14,000 crore. During a recent public hearing organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, more than 350 villagers from 33 habitations participated, voicing the need for transparent compensation and a robust R&R plan.
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