Itanagar, April 18 (NationPress) Several hydropower initiatives with an overall generation capacity of 11,517 MW are currently in progress in Arunachal Pradesh. To facilitate immediate power evacuation and distribution, the state government has embarked on significant transmission and distribution infrastructure projects, as stated by an official on Friday.

A senior official from the Power Department disclosed that 12 projects with a combined installed capacity of approximately 11,517 MW have been initiated by three Hydro CPSUs—North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO), Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (SJVN), and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).

The state government previously entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with these three central sector CPSUs to implement the hydropower plants, the official mentioned.

Among the 12 projects, five projects totaling 2,620 MW have been assigned to NEEPCO, five projects totaling 5,097 MW to SJVN, and the remaining two projects with a capacity of 3,800 MW to NHPC.

Arunachal Pradesh, a strategically vital state, possesses over 58,000 MW of hydro potential, yet only one percent of this potential has been harnessed to date, the official elaborated.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who also oversees the Power portfolio, chaired a high-level review meeting focused on a comprehensive plan to fortify the transmission and distribution system.

The five-hour meeting, convened on Thursday night, thoroughly examined the execution of a comprehensive scheme aimed at enhancing the Transmission and Distribution System throughout the state, which is crucial for ensuring a reliable and efficient power supply, especially in remote and underserved areas.

During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister evaluated the project's current status, assessed the progress, and inquired about any delays.

Emphasizing the government's commitment to the power sector, Deputy Chief Minister Mein stated: “In recent years, we have significantly expedited the development of the power sector in Arunachal Pradesh. Recently, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the Power Steering Committee engaged in meaningful discussions at Tawang to accelerate hydropower project development in the state.”

He underscored the necessity for a resilient transmission and distribution network to complement the forthcoming hydropower projects.

“With numerous hydropower projects in progress, it is essential that our Transmission and Distribution infrastructure is prepared for immediate power evacuation and distribution. This meeting was held to address pending issues in the implementation of this comprehensive scheme,” the Deputy Chief Minister concluded.

He has instructed the state-owned Power Grid Corporation of India Limited to expedite all outstanding work and ensure the timely completion of the Comprehensive Scheme for enhancing the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) System.

Additionally, he urged PGCIL to maintain close collaboration with the District Administration and Power Department, involving local legislators to facilitate smooth and effective on-ground execution. The meeting reaffirmed the government’s dedication to strengthening Arunachal Pradesh's power infrastructure—establishing a solid foundation for sustainable growth, energy security, and improved quality of life for all residents.