Arunachal’s Deputy CM meets PSU CMDs, allots 29 hydropower projects for revival

• A total of 29 hydropower projects have been identified and after they are revived, Arunachal will be able to plug in a total of 32,415 MW of hydropower into the national grid
• Arunachal is working closely with CPSUs to develop this (hydropower) potential, said Chowna Mein after the meeting

New Delhi: Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Chowna Mein held a meeting with the Chairman and Managing Directors (CMDs) of all hydropower PSUs in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss big plans for harnessing the state's hydropower potential. At the meeting, the CMDs of NHPC, SJVN, THDC and NEEPCO were told that the Central government and the state government have recently shortlisted some projects from available sites, which the state government wants PSUs to revive. A total of 29 hydropower projects have been identified and after they are revived, Arunachal will be able to plug in a total of 32,415 MW of hydropower into the national grid.

PSUs allotted hydropower projects in Arunachal

In the aftermath of the meeting, SJVN released a statement saying it has been allotted five hydropower projects, which will entail an investment of Rs 60,000 crore, in Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang basin — Etalin HEP (3,097 MW), Attunli HEP (680 MW), Emini HEP (500 MW), Amulin HEP (420 MW) and Mihumdon HEP (400 MW). In an official statement, NHPC said that it will develop two hydropower projects of 3,800 MW on standalone basis and two projects of 12,700 MW on joint venture basis in Arunachal Pradesh.

In a separate statement, NEEPCO said that it has been allotted 17 hydropower projects with installed capacity of 4,988 MW by the Ministry of Power in Arunachal Pradesh. In addition, hydropower projects of 1,702 MW have also been allotted to NEEPCO which are to be developed on joint venture-basis.

Ensure time-bound implementation, involve local people: Mein

Mein asked all CMDs of hydropower PSUs to ensure time-bound implementation of the revival of the 29 hydropower projects. He also urged the PSU top bosses to ensure the involvement of local people so that the benefits of development are availed by the common people of the state. On their part, the PSU CMDs assured the Arunachal Deputy CM that they would post their nodal officer in the state if they don't have any presence. Mein also assured the CMDs of all support from the state authorities in this regard and directed officials to facilitate PSUs in this regard.

After the meeting, Mein said in a tweet, "Arunachal can contribute significantly to our PM's commitment made at the Glasgow COP meeting by developing hydropower sector. Arunachal is working closely with CPSUs to develop this potential."

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