Union Minister Manohar Lal reviews Power Sector schemes and projects in Arunachal Pradesh

New Delhi [India], July 8 (ANI): Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, chaired the review meeting of the power sector of Arunachal Pradesh on Monday in Itanagar.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Secretary (Power) Pankaj Agarwal, and Chief Secretary Dharmendra were present in the meeting.
In his address, 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 work for better connectivity, improved infrastructure and the welfare of the people.
He mentioned that Arunachal Pradesh has about 38 per cent (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 hydropower 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," the Power Ministry said in a statement.
Further, he suggested for providing options to consumers for self-meter reading once every two months and bill generation through a mobile App. He emphasized that the availability of supply of quality power in the State will also facilitate growth in the industrial sector which will create opportunities for employment in the State.
On the Power Distribution front, he advised for expeditious implementation of works sanctioned under RDSS. He advised for implementation of 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 at least 'B' within this year. The Minister sought cooperation from the State in achieving the ambitious goals that were set before the power sector of the country.
The Chief Minister thanked Union Minister of Power for selecting Arunachal Pradesh on his 1st visit to any State after the new Government has been formed. He assured of taking necessary measures/ policy decisions to ensure the growth of the Power sector in the State.
He informed that over the past few years infrastructure development in the State has picked the pace and sought continued support from Govt. of India in the near future.
The Deputy Chief Minister assured full support of the Power Department to CPSEs for different Hydro projects in the State. He expressed that with joint efforts of the State Government and CPSEs, 13 HEPs will be completed within stipulated timelines. This will contribute about Rs. 10,000 crore per annum to the revenues of the State, thereby raising the per capita income to the level of developed States. He suggested for taking all necessary measures for the early completion of the prestigious 2000 MW Subansiri Lower and 2800 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project.
During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held in respect of the overall scenario of the Power sector in the State of Arunachal Pradesh with a special focus on the aspects of Hydropower Generation, Power Transmission and Distribution Sector in the State. Additionally, deliberations were also held with respect to the Power Sector reforms, the measures to be taken to promote 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.
In his welcome address, Secretary (Power) highlighted the rich Hydropower potential in the State and the pivotal role that Arunachal Pradesh can play in meeting the growing demand for clean energy. During the review of the Transmission sector, the "Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening of Transmission & Distribution, Arunachal Pradesh" being implemented by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited was discussed.
During the meeting, major concerns such as Right of Way (RoW) in the Reserve Forest (RF) areas, O&M of completed elements and issues related to downstream connectivity were also discussed and addressed.
On the Power Distribution front, the State Government was requested to expeditiously implement the works sanctioned under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) with the aim of improving the quality and reliability in supply of electricity in the State. It was highlighted that implementation of Smart Metering works will facilitate energy accounting and will also empower the consumers with ease of payment and better control on their electricity consumption. State Government assured to complete Feeder metering by December 2024.
Secretary (Power) emphasized that we need to keep working towards the growing energy demand. The interest of the consumer needs to be at the centre of our strategy to ensure quality and reliable power at an affordable rate. (ANI)