• NET Web Desk

In an attempt to realize the potential of the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh in generating hydropower – a renewable energy, the Central & State Government have chalked-out projects for transforming this capability into a reality.

Once these projects get developed by the Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSUs), Arunachal Pradesh shall be adding 32415 MW of “Green Power” into the National grid.

The Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein with an intent to understand the plan and future strategies of concerned process met the Chairman and Managing Directors (CMDs) of all CPSUs on Wednesday.

Accordingly, the CMDs of all 4 CPSUs involved in the projects – National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC), & North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Mein urged the CMDs to earnestly work towards these projects, so that time-bound implementation is ensured.

He also asked the CMDs of all 4 CPSUs to engage with the locals, so that benefits of development flow-down to common public of Arunachal Pradesh.

Responding to the same, all CMDs assured the Deputy CM that required steps will be undertaken in this regard.

Keeping in view of effective implementation of resources, all CPSUs informed that they would post their nodal officers in Arunachal Pradesh if they don’t have any presence in the state yet.

Mein also directed state officials to facilitate the CPSUs during this process and provide them with all required supports.

After attaining such commitments from CMDs, Mein then met the Union Minister of Power R.K. Singh and briefed him about the status of developments in Power and Hydro Power sector along the frontier state.

Mein further highlighted the Union minister that Arunachal Pradesh can contribute significantly to the Prime Minister’s commitment at the Glasgow COP26 Climate Summit through its development of the hydropower sector, and added that state government authorities are consciously working with CPSUs to harness this potential.

Hailing the initiative undertaken by Central Government by involving CPSUs into the development of hydropower projects along Arunachal Pradesh, Mein expressed his gratitude to the Union minister on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Meanwhile, the meeting also emphasized on developmental issues of small and micro-hydro power projects in remote Border areas, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)’s support for such developments, revamping in distribution & transmission system of Arunachal Pradesh to reduce the Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT & C) losses by providing reliable power to consumers.

The Deputy Chief Minister also requested for early release of sanctioned amounts due for the state in respect of Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA).

The issues of connecting local youth in this development process with an aim to create job & business opportunities were also discussed in length.

“Union Power Minister had been very receptive to all the issues raised and expressed full support from the Government of India. Expressing his concern, the Union Minister stressed the need of reducing aggregate transmission & commercial losses in the Power Sector of the state. In this regard, Mein assured him to take all necessary steps in the state. The Union Minister directed his officials to be responsive so that the remote state and its common public can be made prosperous.” – asserted a release.

The Union Minister also assured full support of the Government of India to develop the power and hydropower sectors of the state.