Staff Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Jan 7: Responding strongly to opposition against mega hydropower projects, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein asserted that only a handful of people are opposing the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and made it clear that the state government will continue with the project in the larger interest of development.
Speaking to the media at State BJP Headquarters on Wednesday, Mein emphasised that hydropower is Arunachal Pradesh’s primary natural resource and its optimal utilisation is crucial not only for the state’s progress but also for the nation’s energy security.
“The project is for development. Our main resource is hydropower, and it must be harnessed for the development of the state and the country,” he said.
The Deputy CM clarified that the state government has never opposed hydropower dams, pointing out that Arunachal Pradesh remains the only power-surplus state in the Northeast. He highlighted the state’s steady growth in power generation, stating that installed capacity has already increased from 400 MW to nearly 1,200 MW.
He further informed that in the coming years, power generation will witness a massive jump with the commissioning of major projects such as the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Project, 2,880 MW Dibang Project, and the 10,000 MW Anini Project. In addition, several new hydropower projects are planned in Khalai-II and Shi-Yomi districts, which together are expected to add around 12,000 MW to the state’s power basket.
On the economic front, Mein revealed that the state currently earns around Rs. 4,000 crore in revenue from hydropower, which is projected to increase to nearly Rs. 10,000 crore in the next 10–15 years.
“These projects will ensure long-term benefits. The upcoming generations will be blessed, and Arunachal Pradesh will witness accelerated development in infrastructure, employment, and economic growth,” he added.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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