Guwahati: Taking the ‘ Cabinet Aapke Dwar’ concept a step further, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday made history by holding the state cabinet meeting at Kibithu, the last outpost along the Indo-China (Tibet) border in Anjaw district.
The Cabinet approved the formation of a joint venture company ‘ NEEPCO Arunachal Hydro Power Corporation Limited’ between the state government and the Northeastern Electric Power Corporation for the implementation of five hydro power projects in the state. These are Tato I, Heo, Tato II, Naying and Hirong in Shi-Yomi district.
Of these five projects, Tato I and Heo HEPs have already received approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs and are likely to begin construction soon. The approval for the formation of this joint venture company marks a significant step forward in commissioning of 13 large HEPs which were rejuvenated by the state government by signing MoAs (Memorandum of Agreement) with Central PSUs in 2023.
Acknowledging the significance of hydropower in the economic growth of the state, the Cabinet also approved modifications in the State Hydro Power Policy, 2008, and Local Area Development Fund Guidelines, 2022, allowing contribution of 1% of free power by power producers, including PSUs, on behalf of the state government to Local Area Development Funds established for the welfare of Project Affected Areas. These modifications will enable higher and timely contributions to the Local Area Development Fund, enhancing the welfare of Project Affected Families with no additional cost to the state exchequer.
The Cabinet also granted approval for the restoration of the Gongri HEP (144 MW) to the SPV Dirang Energy Private Limited under the Arunachal Pradesh Restoration of Terminated Large Hydropower Policy under Special Circumstances, 2025. With this approval, Gongri HEP became the first project restored under this innovative policy.
The Cabinet also approved restructuring of the Department of Hydro Power Development, including offices at the zonal, circle and division levels by allocating works to chief engineers and their subordinate officers in a basin-wise manner. This restructuring would enable seamless coordination with PSUs and Independent Power Producers and help promote timely commissioning of all HEPs in the state.
To bolster the hydro sector, 84 technical and 12 non-technical posts were also given a go-ahead by the Cabinet. This is in line with the earlier announcement of ‘Decade of Hydropower’ by the government. It is expected that with this decision, hydropower will be the largest contributor to the economy of the state and nation.
The Cabinet also approved in principle ‘The Sunrise Festival’ in Anjaw district because the nation’s sun first rises at Dong. The vision is to have a curated festival managed by experienced experts on a self-sustained model. The state government will provide infrastructure facilities. The dates shall coincide with the New Year and should continue for at least five days.
The Cabinet approved the formation of a joint venture company ‘ NEEPCO Arunachal Hydro Power Corporation Limited’ between the state government and the Northeastern Electric Power Corporation for the implementation of five hydro power projects in the state. These are Tato I, Heo, Tato II, Naying and Hirong in Shi-Yomi district.
Of these five projects, Tato I and Heo HEPs have already received approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs and are likely to begin construction soon. The approval for the formation of this joint venture company marks a significant step forward in commissioning of 13 large HEPs which were rejuvenated by the state government by signing MoAs (Memorandum of Agreement) with Central PSUs in 2023.
Acknowledging the significance of hydropower in the economic growth of the state, the Cabinet also approved modifications in the State Hydro Power Policy, 2008, and Local Area Development Fund Guidelines, 2022, allowing contribution of 1% of free power by power producers, including PSUs, on behalf of the state government to Local Area Development Funds established for the welfare of Project Affected Areas. These modifications will enable higher and timely contributions to the Local Area Development Fund, enhancing the welfare of Project Affected Families with no additional cost to the state exchequer.
The Cabinet also granted approval for the restoration of the Gongri HEP (144 MW) to the SPV Dirang Energy Private Limited under the Arunachal Pradesh Restoration of Terminated Large Hydropower Policy under Special Circumstances, 2025. With this approval, Gongri HEP became the first project restored under this innovative policy.
The Cabinet also approved restructuring of the Department of Hydro Power Development, including offices at the zonal, circle and division levels by allocating works to chief engineers and their subordinate officers in a basin-wise manner. This restructuring would enable seamless coordination with PSUs and Independent Power Producers and help promote timely commissioning of all HEPs in the state.
To bolster the hydro sector, 84 technical and 12 non-technical posts were also given a go-ahead by the Cabinet. This is in line with the earlier announcement of ‘Decade of Hydropower’ by the government. It is expected that with this decision, hydropower will be the largest contributor to the economy of the state and nation.
The Cabinet also approved in principle ‘The Sunrise Festival’ in Anjaw district because the nation’s sun first rises at Dong. The vision is to have a curated festival managed by experienced experts on a self-sustained model. The state government will provide infrastructure facilities. The dates shall coincide with the New Year and should continue for at least five days.
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