Guwahati, April 10: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has encouraged power developers already working in Arunachal Pradesh to explore smaller hydropower projects in their respective river basins, adding to the state’s energy capacity.
Chairing the 8th Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Department of Hydropower Development on April 10 in Itanagar, Khandu noted that tributaries of the state’s five main rivers have the potential to generate 100 to 300 MW of power. He suggested that Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) engaged in large-scale projects could expand their scope by simultaneously developing smaller projects.
“As you already have men and machines at the work sites, it shouldn’t be a difficult task,” he observed.
During the review of 13 hydropower projects across Shi Yomi, Dibang Valley, Anjaw, Subansiri, Kamle, and other districts, Khandu expressed satisfaction with the progress, emphasizing the importance of coordination among all stakeholders. He urged CPSUs to adhere to project timelines, highlighting that delays cost the state ₹9 crore per day in lost revenue and the Local Area Development Fund.
Khandu also stressed the crucial role of the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL) in ensuring the timely transmission of electricity. “Power Grid needs to work in tandem with hydropower developers so that power transmission can begin from day one,” he said.
Underscoring the need for synergy between the State Government and CPSUs, Khandu commended the commitment and teamwork demonstrated so far. The meeting, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, Advisor H.K. Paliwal, concerned Deputy Commissioners, and representatives from CPSUs—including NHPC, SJVN, NEEPCO, and THDCIL—reviewed project timelines, addressed hurdles, and assessed land acquisition progress.
Deputy Commissioners were instructed to expedite land acquisition with sensitivity and community engagement. Additionally, MoUs were signed with four PSUs to provide training and capacity building for technical and non-technical staff of the Department of Hydro Power Development, aiming to build a future-ready workforce.
On the occasion, Khandu handed over a cheque of ₹269.97 crore to the Deputy Commissioner of Dibang Valley on behalf of SJVN Ltd. “This marks a significant step forward in the construction of the 3,097 MW Etalin Hydroelectric Project, one of the largest in the country!” he stated while expressing gratitude to the Mishmi community for their support.
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