In a major boost to hydropower sector in the region, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh today signed 12 Memorandum of Agreements (MoA) in Itanagar handing over the implementation of 12 hydropower projects to three Central Government PSUs (CPSUs).
The MoAs were signed in the presence of Union Power Minister R. K. Singh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein.
As per the agreements, 12 hydropower projects with a generating capacity of 11,517MW will be implemented by the three CPSUs – NHPC, SJVN and NEEPCO.
Speaking at the signing in ceremony, Union Power Minister R.K Singh said, “Implementation of these hydropower projects will contribute immensely to the richness of the state. The per capita income of the state would become more than that of Maharashtra and Gujarat. All the developed nations including the USA, Canada, Norway etc., have harnessed 80%-90% of their hydropower potential. In India also, the states which harnessed the potential of hydropower have become prosperous. Hydropower is a green source of energy. Its usage will also increase the ground water level and promote growth of flora & fauna.”
Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu said in a tweet, “A historic signing of MoAs took place today attracting Rs 1.40 lakh crore worth of investment in our state. As per the agreement, 12 hydropower projects of 11,517MW generating capacity has been allotted to three different central PSUs – NHPC Ltd, SJVN Ltd and NEEPCO Ltd.”
As per a government release, out of these 12 projects, five projects of 2,620 MW have been allocated to NEEPCO, five projects of 5,097 MW to Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (SJVN) and the remaining two projects with a capacity of 3,800 MW to National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
All these projects were initially allotted to private sector developers, however it remained stalled due to various reasons.
The State Government therefore decided to rope in Central Hydro PSUs to give a push to the languishing projects.
“The project is expected to create huge employment opportunities in the region and boost the local economy as well as foster skill development and technical expertise in the region. The projects are expected to result in an estimated investment inflow of about ₹1,26,500 Crores to the state of Arunachal Pradesh,” the release stated.
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