Guwahati, July 08: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has assured the Centre that the completion of 13 hydel projects in the State will contribute about Rs. 10,000 crore per annum to the revenues of the State.

Chowna Mein was speaking at a meeting in Itanagar which was attended by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal who had come to review power sector schemes and projects.

He expressed that with joint efforts of State Govt. and CPSEs, 13 HEPs will be completed within stipulated timelines.

Hydel power projects in Arunachal Pradesh have been facing lot of problems right from getting clearances to facing local protests.

He has assured full support of Power Department to central power sector undertakings for completion of different Hydro project in the State.

He suggested for taking all necessary measures for early completion of prestigious 2000 MW Subansiri Lower and 2800 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project.

During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held in respect of overall scenario of the Power sector in the State of Arunachal Pradesh with special focus on the aspects of Hydropower Generation, Power Transmission and Distribution Sector in the State.

Additionally, deliberations were also held in respect of the Power Sector reforms, the measures to be taken for promoting Ease of Living for the electricity consumers and the Resource adequacy plan to be finalised in order to meet the future demand. The State Government also provided its inputs and suggestions during the course of deliberations.

Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, mentioned that the Central Government is making continuous efforts for the overall progress of the North-Eastern region of the country. In the last decade, the Union Government has been extremely sensitive to the needs of the region and has been taking up works for better connectivity, improved infrastructure and welfare of the people.

He mentioned that Arunachal Pradesh has about 38% (about 50 GW) of India’s total hydropower potential, the highest among all States.

It was discussed that Compensatory Afforestation Land availability is crucial for taking up early development of hydro power projects in the State. It was discussed that land for Compensatory Afforestation Land may also be explored in other States as well. It was emphasized to simplify the process for sanction of new connections and the format of electricity bills which may be easily understood by the consumers.

Further, he suggested for providing options to consumers for self-meter reading once in every 2 months and bill generation thorough a mobile App. He emphasized that availability of supply of quality power in the State will also facilitate growth in industrial sector which will create opportunities of employment in the State.

On the Power Distribution front, he advised for expeditious implementation of works sanctioned under RDSS. He advised for implementing various reform measures prescribed under the scheme for improving the financial viability and operational efficiency of the Power Department. Power Department was also advised to target improvement in the consumer service rating from ‘C’ to atleast ‘B’ within this year.

The Minister sought cooperation from the State in achieving the ambitious goals that are set before the power sector of the country.

” We need to keep working towards the growing energy demand. The interest of the consumer needs to be at the center of our strategy to ensure quality and reliable power at an affordable rate” he said.

In his welcome address, Secretary (Power) Pankaj Aggarwal highlighted the rich Hydro power potential in the State and the pivotal role that Arunachal Pradesh can play in meeting the growing demand for clean energy.

Read: Dibrugarh roads in pathetic condition after street remains under water for 9 days

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