The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved investment of Rs.3,689 crore for development of two hydropower schemes with aggregate capacity 426 MW, in Arunachal Pradesh.
Both the projects will be developed through a joint venture between NEEPCO Ltd (a subsidiary of NTPC) and the government of Arunachal Pradesh.
Here are salient features of the two hydropower schemes:
Scheme: Tato-I hydropower project
Developer: Proposed JV of NEEPCO and Government of Arunachal Pradesh
Location: Shi Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh
Capacity: 186 MW (3 x 62 MW)
Annual generation: 802 MU (estimated)
Gestation period: 50 months
Project outlay: Rs.1,750 crore
Scheme: Heo hydropower project
Developer: Proposed JV of NEEPCO and Government of Arunachal Pradesh
Location: Shi Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh
Capacity: 240 MW (3 x 80 MW)
Annual generation: 1,000 MU (estimated)
Gestation period: 50 months
Project outlay: Rs.1,939 crore
Central assistance
For the two projects, the Union government will provide combined budgetary support to the tune of Rs.204.65 crore that will be used for construction of enabling infrastructure like roads, bridges and associated transmission systems. Besides, there will be Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of Rs.205.86 crore towards equity subscription by Government of Arunachal Pradesh in the proposed JVs.
Hydropower potential in Arunachal
According to official statistics, Arunachal Pradesh has an estimated hydropower potential of 50,394 MW – the highest for any Indian state. This potential accounts for as much as 38 per cent of India’s total of 1,33,410 MW. However, as of October 31, 2024, barely 12 per cent of this potential in Arunachal Pradesh was tapped by way of operational projects (aggregate capacity: 1,115 MW) or those under construction (4,880 MW). As of given date, India’s untapped hydropower potential stood at around 58 per cent.
Featured photograph shows an overview of NEEPCO’s 600-MW Kameng project – the Central utility’s largest hydropower scheme – located in Arunachal Pradesh. (Photo: NEEPCO)
