State Plans To Fast-Track Hydro Projects: Chowna Mein

Our Correspondent

Itanagar: Terming hydropower as “clean, green, sustainable and also a cheap source of power in the long run besides having a long, useful life”, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said that the State Government has devised plans for fast tracking of ongoing hydropower projects to tap the huge potential in the sector.

The country is endowed with large hydropower reserves with a total potential of 1,45,320 mega watt, out of which Arunachal Pradesh alone has 58,160.2 mega watt capacity to harness 40 per cent of the total potential of the country, Mein said during a two-day review meeting he had with all large power developers, which concluded at New Delhi on Wednesday, an official communique informed here on Thursday.

He was of the view that hydropower sector besides playing pivotal role for the country can impact State’s sustainable development and energy security, while citing that it meets the criteria of sustainability, availability and reliability.

Mein, also the Minister Power, keeping in view the importance of development of hydropower projects in the State, held the key meeting to know about and address various issues and problem related to “slow” progress or “stalled” power projects in the State.

In all, 32 power developers attended the meeting, the communique said.

After assuming the charge of Minister Power, Mein has been constantly prioritizing to put several hydro projects on a fast track after some had been stalled for many years in the State.

Giving a patient hearing on various issues and problems of private developers, the Deputy Chief Minister assured them that the State Government would provide all possible help in developing the projects.

Mein also urged the developers to speed up the process of developing the projects on war footing, the communique added.