Did the Cabinet Approve a 700 MW Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh for Rs 8,146 Crore?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Cabinet approved Rs 8,146 crore for the Tato-II Hydro Electric Project.
- The project will have a capacity of 700 MW and generate 2738.06 MU of energy.
- Completion is expected within 72 months.
- Local communities will benefit from infrastructure improvements and job opportunities.
- The project is a collaboration between NEEPCO and the Arunachal Pradesh government.
New Delhi, Aug 12 (NationPress) In a noteworthy decision, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has sanctioned an investment of Rs 8,146.21 crore for the development of the Tato-II Hydro Electric Project (HEP) located in Shi Yomi District, Arunachal Pradesh.
The project is projected to be completed within 72 months. With an installed capacity of 700 MW (4 x 175 MW), it is expected to generate 2738.06 MU of energy, as detailed in the meeting presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The electricity produced will enhance the power supply in Arunachal Pradesh and contribute to stabilizing the National Grid.
This initiative will be executed through a collaboration between North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO) and the Arunachal Pradesh government.
The central government will allocate Rs 458.79 crore for the development of roads, bridges, and related transmission infrastructure, in addition to a Central Financial Assistance of Rs 436.13 crore to support the state’s equity share.
As per the CCEA, Arunachal Pradesh stands to gain 12 percent of free power along with an additional 1 percent for the Local Area Development Fund (LADF), alongside considerable infrastructure advancements and socio-economic progress within the region.
Infrastructure improvements will include the construction of approximately 32.88 kilometers of roads and bridges, which will primarily serve local needs.
The district is also poised to gain from the development of critical infrastructure like hospitals, schools, marketplaces, and playgrounds, funded with a dedicated budget of Rs 20 crore.
The local community will benefit from various compensatory measures, job opportunities, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, according to the CCEA.