Itanagar, Sep 11 (Representative) Arunachal Pradesh is’set’ to experience rapid economic development with the implementation of several hydropower projects, according to Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein. “The hydropower projects, with an aggregate capacity of 12,500 MW, to be taken up by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), viz., NHPC, NEEPCO, THDC, and SJVN, in the region are in various stages, with five of them set to commence next year and three each in 2026 and 2027. They will meet the power needs of the state as well as the nation and will also foster rapid economic development in the state,” Mein, the also Minister in Charge of Power, said. The Deputy Chief Minister, who was addressing a gathering on the occasion of the Solung Festival of the Adi community at Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district on Tuesday, further stated that large dams will bring multiple benefits to the state as these are all multi-purpose projects. “We will not only harness power from these but will also moderate floods in the downstream by regulating the water flow of the rivers and will also harness the water for irrigation purposes and fisheries, besides boosting tourism in the state and employment generation,” he said.
Highlighting the economic benefits of the state from large hydropower projects, Mein said that the state will get an investment of Rs 1,50,000 Cr with an equity share of 24% ownership amounting to Rs 36,000 Cr ownership, which will generate Rs 1836 Cr per annum revenue for the state (from equity). “In addition to it, we will also get 12% free power and 1% for local area development,” he said, adding that all these will benefit the coming generations of the state. Mein also informed that along with the large hydropower projects, the state government is also committed to developing small hydro projects like micro and mini hydroelectric projects in the border villages of Arunachal Pradesh, which will benefit remote villages, defence personnel, and military setups stationed in those areas. Earlier, Mein extended his best wishes to the Adi community on the joyous occasion and commended the organising committee for the warm reception and hospitality, which are deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the community. In his address, the Deputy CM also underscored the importance of honouring the long-standing traditions of Arunachal Pradesh’s indigenous tribes and emphasised finding a balance between modernity and ancient traditions, advocating for the maintenance of cultural practices as a crucial step in preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage.
He noted that with the careful preservation of Arunachal’s rich biodiversity along with its diverse cultural landscape comprising around 26 major tribes, the state could become one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the region. In this context, Mein focused on the government’s vision to establish dedicated Gurukuls pertaining to each indigenous tribe across the state to educate and preserve cultural traditions, languages, and folktales. He also highlighted the various government initiatives aimed at boosting economic activities, including advancements in the tourism sector through the construction of the 218-km-long Assam-Arunachal railway project, routed via the sacred pilgrimage site of Parshuram Kund. The celebration was also attended by Minister of Science & Technology and Cultural Affairs Dasanglu Pul, former CM Mukut Mithi, Assam’s Sadiya MLA Bolin Chetia, and State MLAs Mopi Mihu from Anini, Dr Mohesh Chai (Tezu), Puinnyo Apum (Dambuk), LDV DC and SP, and other distinguished guests.