Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has started scrapping hydro-power projects for non-performance. The Chief Minister inaugurated the state’s first community-managed mini hydroelectric project at Dikshi in West Kameng district on September 13. He said his government has terminated 22 projects worth 3,800 MW while another 46 projects worth 8,000 MW had been served notices.

State government reviewing the hydro-power projects

Pema Khandu said that the projects have not progressed and the people have lost confidence in them. The state government is reviewing the hydro-power projects periodically and will be taking action against the power developers found non-performing. Arunachal Pradesh was among 16 States identified during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government for an ambitious plan in 2003 to make India produce 50,000 MW or hydroelectricity by 2017.

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A state hydro-power policy was drawn up in 2007 in which Arunachal Pradesh sign agreements with both public sector and private sector players. Deals for 142 dams – their capacity ranging from 4.50 MW to 4,000 MW – on virtually all rivers and streams were signed by 2015. In July 2015, former Congress Chief Minister Nabam Tuki told the State Assembly that Arunachal Pradesh received ₹1,495.6 crore as upfront money and processing fees from agreements signed with 159 companies for projects with installed capacities of 47,000 MW. The upfront money was charged per MW.

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Over the years, the Khandu government has been inclined towards smaller, sustainable hydroelectric projects. CM Khandu also said that it is time to change the mindset and, clean and green energy can change the economy of the State and the region.

PM Modi to visit Sardar Sarovar Dam

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi has decided to celebrate his birthday on September 17 by visiting Gujarat to see the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The dam is expected to reach its full storage capacity, a milestone that will be witnessed by PM Modi. The water in the dam, considered as 'Gujarat's lifeline', is likely to touch the full reservoir level of 138.68 m soon, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said. On Saturday, it reached the height of 138 m, just 68 cm short of the overflow mark.

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