Tawang, Apr 10: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday urged power developers operating in the state to explore smaller hydropower projects in their respective river basins, which could significantly contribute to boosting the state’s overall energy capacity.
Chairing the eighth meeting of the steering committee of the hydropower development department in Tawang district, Khandu pointed out that the tributaries of the state’s five major rivers offer opportunities for generating between 100 to 300 Mw of power.
He suggested that Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) currently engaged in large-scale projects could widen their scope by simultaneously working on smaller, feasible projects.
“As you already have men and machines deployed at the sites, it should not be a difficult task,” the chief minister said, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office.
Reviewing the progress of 13 hydropower projects spread across Shi Yomi, Dibang Valley, Anjaw, Subansiri, Kamle, and other districts, Khandu expressed satisfaction over the ongoing coordination among government departments and stakeholders.
He urged CPSUs to adhere to project timelines, highlighting the financial implications of delays.
“Delay in execution costs us Rs 9 crore per day in lost revenue and local area development funds. This underlines the urgency of timely implementation,” Khandu stressed.
The chief minister also underscored the importance of the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) in ensuring efficient power transmission.
“Power Grid needs to work in tandem with hydropower developers so that power transmission can begin from day one,” he said.
Calling for seamless collaboration between the state government and CPSUs, Khandu commended the commitment and teamwork displayed so far.
The high-level meeting was attended by deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, chief secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, advisor H K Paliwal, deputy commissioners from relevant districts, and representatives from the central government and CPSUs, including NHPC, SJVN, NEEPCO, and THDCIL.
The participants reviewed project-specific timelines, discussed hurdles, and assessed progress in land acquisition.
The deputy commissioners were directed to accelerate the land acquisition process with increased sensitivity and community involvement.
On the occasion, four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed with CPSUs to provide training and capacity building for both technical and non-technical staff of the state’s Hydropower Development Department, aimed at creating a future-ready workforce.
Earlier, Khandu handed over a cheque of Rs 269.97 crore to the Dibang Valley deputy commissioner on behalf of SJVN Ltd., marking a major milestone in the 3,097 Mw Etalin hydroelectric project, one of the largest in the country.
“This marks a significant step forward in the construction of the Etalin project,” Khandu said, expressing gratitude to the Mishmi community for their support.
“Your cooperation is crucial for realizing Arunachal Pradesh’s vision of harnessing its rich hydropower potential for sustainable growth and prosperity,” he added.
