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Cabinet Approves Rs 26,069 Crore 1,720 MW Kamala Hydro Project in Arunachal

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a massive Rs 26,069.50 crore investment for the 1,720 MW Kamala Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh. The project, expected to be completed in 96 months, will generate 6,870 million units of energy and aid in flood moderation in the Brahmaputra valley. It promises significant local development, including nearly 196 km of roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools, funded partly by a dedicated Rs 8 crore project fund. The Arunachal Pradesh government will receive 12% free power from the project, which is a joint venture between NHPC and the state.

Key Points: Cabinet Approves Rs 26,069 Cr Kamala Hydro Project in Arunachal

  • 1,720 MW clean energy
  • Rs 26,069.50 crore investment
  • 96-month completion timeline
  • Major local infrastructure boost
  • 12% free power for state
2 min read

Cabinet approves 1,720 MW hydro-electric project in Arunachal for Rs 26,069 crore

Cabinet approves Rs 26,069.50 crore for 1,720 MW Kamala Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh, promising power and infrastructure development.

"The project will strengthen power supply... and provide flood moderation benefits in the Brahmaputra valley. - Cabinet note"

New Delhi, April 8

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved investment of Rs 26,069.50 crore for the construction of the Kamala Hydro Electric Project in Kamle, Kra Daadi, and Kurung Kumey districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

The estimated completion period for the project is 96 months, a Cabinet note said.

There will be significant improvement in the infrastructure in Kamle, Kra Daadi, and Kurung Kumey districts, including the development of around 196 kms of roads and bridges, for the project, which will be mostly available for local use, the note said.

The district will also benefit from the construction of essential infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, and marketplaces, etc., to be financed from dedicated project funds of Rs 8 crore. The local populace will also benefit from compensation, employment, and CSR activities.

The project with an installed capacity of 1,720 MW (8x210 MW and 1x40 MW) is expected to generate 6,870 MU of energy.

The power generated from the project will strengthen the power supply position in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, support peak demand management, contribute to national grid balancing and provide flood moderation benefits in the Brahmaputra valley.

In addition to Kamala HEP, other hydropower projects -- Subansiri Lower (2,000 MW), Dibang Multipurpose (2,880 MW) -- are under construction, and Etalin (3,097 MW) is planned for development by NHPC Limited in Arunachal Pradesh, according to a statement.

The Kamala HEP will be implemented through a Joint Venture Company between NHPC Limited and the Arunachal Pradesh government.

The government will extend Rs 4,743.98 crore as budgetary support towards the flood moderation component and Rs 1,340 crore as budgetary support for enabling infrastructure -- construction of roads, bridges, and associated transmission system, besides Central Financial Assistance of Rs 750 crore towards the equity share of the state.

Notably, the state will receive 12 per cent free power and an additional 1 per cent earmarked for the Local Area Development Fund (LADF), along with significant infrastructure development and socio-economic benefits for the region.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Rs 26,069 crore is a huge amount. While infrastructure development is welcome, I hope the environmental impact assessment was thorough. The Brahmaputra valley is ecologically sensitive. The flood moderation benefit mentioned is crucial though.
V
Vikram M
Excellent step! Arunachal Pradesh has immense hydropower potential. This, along with Subansiri and Dibang projects, will make the state a power hub. The 12% free power for the state and 1% for local development fund is a good model. Jai Hind!
P
Priya S
⁠8 years to complete is a long time. Hope the project doesn't face delays like some others. The promise of hospitals and schools from the dedicated Rs 8 crore fund must be fulfilled transparently. The local populace deserves these benefits.
R
Rohit P
Developing infrastructure in border states like Arunachal is not just about power, it's about national security. Better roads and connectivity strengthen our presence. A respectful suggestion: please ensure the cultural heritage of the local tribes is protected during construction.
K
Karthik V
Good to see a focus on the Northeast. The joint venture between NHPC and the state government is the right approach. Generating over 6,870 million units of energy will help reduce the power deficit. Hope the tendering process is clean and efficient.

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