Cabinet Approves Investment Proposals for Two Major Hydro Electric Projects in Arunachal Pradesh.
New Delhi:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major hydroelectric projects in Shi Yomi District of Arunachal Pradesh, with a combined investment of over Rs. 3,600 crore. The two projects, Heo Hydro Electric Project (HEP) and Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (HEP), aim to boost power generation, improve infrastructure, and enhance socio-economic development in the region.
Heo Hydro Electric Project
The Heo HEP, with an installed capacity of 240 MW, will be developed at a cost of Rs. 1,939 crore. It is expected to generate 1000 Million Units (MU) of energy and will significantly enhance the power supply in Arunachal Pradesh while contributing to the national grid. The project will be implemented through a Joint Venture between North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The Government of India will provide Rs. 127.28 crore for enabling infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and transmission lines, and Rs. 130.43 crore in Central Financial Assistance for the state’s equity share.
The project will also benefit the local community, with 12% free power and 1% for the Local Area Development Fund (LADF). The development will create employment opportunities during the construction and operational phases, and enhance local infrastructure.
Tato-I Hydro Electric Project
Similarly, the Tato-I HEP will have an installed capacity of 186 MW and a budget of Rs. 1,750 crore. This project, expected to generate 802 MU of energy, will also contribute to improving power availability in the state and stabilize the national grid. Like Heo HEP, Tato-I will be developed through a Joint Venture between NEEPCO and the Arunachal Pradesh Government, with Rs. 77.37 crore from the Government of India for enabling infrastructure and Rs. 120.43 crore in Central Financial Assistance.
The project will benefit the local community with 12% free power and 1% for the Local Area Development Fund. Additionally, Rs. 15 crore will be allocated to develop essential local infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, vocational training institutes, and markets, all of which will improve the quality of life for the region’s residents.
Both projects align with the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, aiming to create local employment, develop small-scale businesses, and provide significant socio-economic benefits to the region. The expected completion period for both projects is 50 months.
