Arunachal CM Pema Khandu reviews hydropower projects in state

Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], September 3 (ANI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday reviewed the status of hydropower projects in the state, with a focus on forest clearance, techno-economic clearance, land acquisition, and environmental clearance.
The crucial steering committee meeting, attended by top government officials and heads of CPSUs--NHPC Ltd., SJVN Ltd., NEEPCO, and THDC India Ltd.--particularly focused on the 13 hydropower projects in the state allotted to these PSUs.
The combined investment in these projects is estimated to exceed Rs1 lakh crore.
Joint Secretary (Hydro), Government of India, Mohammad Afzal, represented the Union Power Ministry.
Emphasising the significance of hydropower development for the state's growth in areas such as the economy, employment, and industrialisation, Khandu urged all stakeholders to work together diligently to overcome the obstacles hindering the smooth execution of the 13 mentioned projects.
"I direct all concerned departments and Deputy Commissioners to ensure there are no delays from the state government in expediting the necessary tasks for clearances. Hydropower is vital for our state's revenue, employment, and economic opportunities. We must ensure that all projects move forward swiftly and efficiently," he said.
Recalling the Union Cabinet's recent approval of Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to the state governments of the North Eastern Region (NER) for their equity participation in developing hydroelectric projects through Joint Venture (JV) collaboration between state entities and central public sector undertakings, Khandu noted that Arunachal Pradesh is the biggest stakeholder.
He mentioned that the Union Cabinet's decision, a result of the state's persistent efforts, would greatly benefit Arunachal Pradesh, given its substantial hydropower potential.
The Centre's decision involves an outlay of Rs4,136 crore to be implemented from FY 2024-25 to FY 2031-32. A cumulative hydroelectric capacity of about 15,000 MW would be supported under this proposal.
The projects would be funded through a 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) for the North Eastern Region from the total outlay of the Ministry of Power. (ANI)