Is Arunachal Pradesh Really Implementing Hydro Projects Worth 18,000 MW?

Itanagar, Sep 1 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, announced on Monday that numerous hydropower initiatives totaling approximately 18,000 MW are currently underway in different phases throughout the state, including the notable Dibang project.

Upon their completion, these projects are expected to yield a revenue stream of Rs 10,000 crore annually for the state’s treasury, stated the Chief Minister during the annual Solung festival celebrated by the Adis, a prominent tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, in Roing, located in the Lower Dibang Valley district.

He remarked, "In the upcoming years, Roing, specifically, and the Lower Dibang Valley broadly, are poised to advance significantly in developmental aspects, largely due to the Dibang Multi-purpose Hydroelectric Project!"

The Chief Minister emphasized that the 2,880 MW multi-purpose hydroelectric project will dramatically enhance the region’s economy and infrastructure while generating vital revenue for the state.

He stated, "The revenue from hydropower will empower the government to invest in extensive development and welfare initiatives, aiming to make Arunachal Pradesh genuinely Viksit (developed) by 2047."

Chief Minister Khandu praised the Adis for their commitment to preserving their rich cultural heritage and for celebrating their indigenous festival with traditional customs every year. He noted that the unique culture, cuisine, and language are integral to each tribe’s identity in a state that is home to 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes.

He warned, "In the pursuit of development, we must not lose sight of our roots, culture, and language; true development cannot be achieved without them."

He reiterated his call for the practice of local dialects to ensure their preservation.

"I firmly believe that cultural dilution begins when one member of a community does not learn their mother tongue," he stated.

While acknowledging the importance of mainstream languages like English and Hindi in today’s world, he stressed that this should not come at the expense of one's native language.

He urged elders and parents to communicate with their children in their native language to maintain that connection.

Likewise, he appealed to the youth to practice and converse in their mother tongue to pass it onto future generations.

"As a Monpa, I must take ownership of my culture and language. As an Adi, you must do the same. No one from elsewhere will come to preserve your culture and language; it is our responsibility to uphold our heritage through daily practices," Chief Minister Khandu stated.

He noted that the state government has established a department for Indigenous Affairs to assist indigenous tribes in their cultural and linguistic preservation efforts and encouraged community organizations to collaborate with department officials for effective strategies.

On the development front, CM Khandu commended Roing's road communication improvements.

Recalling his visit to Roing as a minister in 2011, where he had to cross rivers via ferry multiple times, he noted the transformation to a smooth five-hour drive today.

Additionally, the Chief Minister laid the groundwork for several development projects in the Lower Dibang Valley district.

He inspected the under-construction bridge over the Sissiri River on the Bomjir-Paglam road and reviewed its progress with engineers.

Once completed, this bridge will ensure all-weather connectivity for villages such as Bizari, Anpum, Loklung, and Paglam.

He also visited the site of the Dibang Hydroelectric project and engaged with National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) officials led by S.K. Singh.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Dasanglu Pul, Minister for Women and Child Development, along with other local MLAs and leaders.