Did Arunachal Pradesh Just Declare 2025-35 as the 'Decade of Hydro Power'?

Itanagar, June 13 (NationPress) The government of Arunachal Pradesh has officially announced that the period from 2025 to 2035 will be recognized as the “Decade of Hydro Power”, aiming to tap into the state's significant hydropower resources, which are estimated to be around 58,000 MW.

A senior official indicated that throughout this “Decade of Hydro Power”, the state government plans to implement strategic policies and governance initiatives aimed not only at leveraging the hydropower potential through a balanced approach involving mega, large, and small hydroelectric projects but also at establishing a robust policy and regulatory framework to foster the overall development of the industrial ecosystem within the state.

“These initiatives will serve as a catalyst for economic development and will create numerous employment and self-employment opportunities for the youth of Arunachal Pradesh,” the official stated. With approximately 19 GW of hydropower projects currently being developed and cumulative investments exceeding Rs 2 lakh crore over the next decade, Arunachal Pradesh is projected to generate annual revenues of Rs 4,525 crore from the sale of free power generated by hydro-electric power (HEP) projects starting in 2035.

The Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has approved the establishment of an escrow account to strategically manage and effectively utilize the revenue derived from the free power generated by HEPs. This prudent management of resources will enable the state to make informed strategic and financial decisions regarding investments in its overall development, the official emphasized.

This initiative is designed to not only streamline financial processes but also to guarantee that the advantages of free power are optimized for the state’s long-term sustainable growth and prosperity, ultimately aiding in the achievement of its strategic energy objectives and enhancing the welfare of its citizens, the official remarked.

During the Cabinet meeting, members were informed about the strategic and national security importance of the proposed Siang Upper Multi-purpose Project (SUMP), which was designated as a ‘National Project’ by the Government of India in 2008.

The Cabinet also acknowledged the concerns raised by certain community members regarding the preparation of the Pre-Feasibility Report for the SUMP, as well as the efforts undertaken by the State Government to address fears and build consensus among likely Project Affected Families (PAFs) through regular and thorough discussions and various interactive meetings regarding the urgent need for the PFR for the SUMP.