Arunachal Declares 2025-35 as the ‘Decade of Hydropower’

As part of its objectives, Arunachal Pradesh has declared the period of 2025-2035 as the decade of Hydropower, in view of taking advantage of the huge potential of 58,000 MW that it possesses. The State will utilize this source of energy to lead to increased industrial activities which will provide huge income and a favorable regulatory environment, and some of the major projects to be implemented are the controversial Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

Context: 

• The state of Arunachal Pradesh has considered setting up the 2025-35 as the Decade of hydropower in order to tap the full potential of hydropower that is 58,000 MW. 

• It is a potential that the State seeks to harness in terms of industrial development, revenue and economic growth and also be able to address local concerns of major projects such as hydropower.

Key Points

Strategic Goals:

• Target generation of 58,000 MW of energy by the use of mega, large and small hydro projects.

• Use the free power income to promote local development, infrastructure and industries.

Profit and Investment:

• By 2035, Arunachal Pradesh will receive 4.525 crore worth of free power every year.

• The total investment is expected to go up to over 2 lakh crores in the next decade aimed at 19 GW of power-generation.

Policy and Governance:

• Concentrate on a sound policy and regulatory framework to attract and control investments in hydropower.

• Escrow accounts to be created with a strategic clear use of the revenue derived on free power.

Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP)

• SUMP will produce 11,000MW, and it is a strategic response to China in the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

• The government intends to consult with the local population, compensate where necessary and reduce opposition.

Rehabilitation and Urban Planning:

• Establishment of the New Yingkiong and New Geku Development Authorities to deal with resettlement and City planning.

• urban Development Department to consider the compensation policies and created a strategy of rehabilitation of families which are displaced.

Conclusion

The declaration of Arunachal Pradesh as the State as the place where the hydropower of 2025-35 is a place of power shows the thoroughness of the State to use its significant hydro sources in the development of the sustainable growth of the State. The State is seeking to invest strategically, make policy changes, and involve the community, all in a bid to deliver high rates of economic growth, and at the same time take care of the local issues revolving around large-scale hydroelectric projects.