Itanagar, May 10 (IANS). Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chovana Mein has congratulated state-owned NHPC for the successful operation of Unit 4 (250 MW) of Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, the country’s largest hydroelectric project.
The Deputy Chief Minister, who holds the portfolio of Power and Non-Conventional Energy Resources, said that with the commissioning of the fourth unit, the total operational capacity of the project has now reached 1,000 MW. Mein said this is another important step in India’s efforts towards clean, sustainable and self-reliant energy production.
Mein posted on social media platform
The Deputy Chief Minister said that this transformative project will accelerate progress, strengthen development and contribute to the prosperity of future generations.
The 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, located on the Subansiri river, is expected to be fully operational by December 2026, according to an official of the Arunachal Pradesh Electricity Department. Of the eight units of the project, four have already been commissioned.
This mega hydropower project is being developed by NHPC on the Subansiri river on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, with an installed capacity of 2,000 MW and comprises eight units of 250 MW each.
NHPC announced operation of Unit 4 from May 8, taking the operational capacity of the project to 1,000 MW.
“Once fully operational, this hydropower project is expected to significantly increase power availability in the North-Eastern region and contribute significantly to India’s clean energy goals,” the official said.
Officials further said that the project also aims to integrate eco-tourism, adventure activities, cultural experiences and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Let us inform you that Chief Minister Pema Khandu had recently written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking support from the Government of India for the development of this huge project. He also sought technical support from key Central Ministries including Tourism, Power, Hydropower, Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and advocated a whole of government approach to realize the vision.
Officials said the project is expected to create over 2,500 employment opportunities in the long term, especially benefiting the local youth, while it aims to attract over 1.5 lakh tourists annually in the medium term.
–IANS
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