The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved investment proposals worth over Rs 40,000 crore for two large hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the Rs 14,105.83 crore Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project (HEP) and the Rs 26,069.50 crore Kamala Hydro Electric Project, according to official statements.
The 1,200 MW Kalai-II project will be built on the Lohit river in Anjaw district and is slated for completion in about 78 months. It will be implemented through a joint venture between THDC India Limited and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Once operational, it is expected to generate nearly 4,853 million units (MU) of electricity annually, helping meet peak demand and balance the national grid. The Centre will provide budgetary support of nearly Rs 600 crore for roads, bridges and transmission infrastructure, besides Rs 750 crore as equity support for the state.
Separately, the Cabinet also approved the 1,720 MW Kamala HEP across Kamle, Kra Daadi and Kurung Kumey districts with an estimated construction period of 96 months. The project will be executed through a joint venture between NHPC Limited and the Arunachal Pradesh government. The Centre has committed Rs 4,743.98 crore towards the flood moderation component and Rs 1,340 crore for enabling infrastructure, along with Rs 750 crore in equity support for the state.
The Kamala project is expected to generate about 6,870 MU of power annually and provide flood moderation benefits to the Brahmaputra valley. It also adds to NHPC’s growing hydropower footprint in the region, which includes the under-construction Subansiri Lower (2,000 MW) and Dibang Multipurpose (2,880 MW) projects, and the proposed Etalin project (3,097 MW).
Both projects will provide Arunachal Pradesh with 12 per cent free power, with an additional 1 per cent earmarked for a Local Area Development Fund.
Official statement said the projects would lead to substantial infrastructure creation, including roads, bridges and social assets, besides generating employment and other socio-economic benefits for local communities. |
