Two Hydropower projects terminated by Arunachal Pradesh, confirms EDCL

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh had terminated two pacts for the execution of two hydropower projects with an associate firm. The Energy Development Company Ltd (EDCL) had confirmed on December 18.

"The Government of Arunachal Pradesh (GoAP) has issued the letter of termination for the Memorandum of Agreement for the execution of TSA-CHU-I Lower Hydro Electric Project and Pakkebung-II Hydro Electric Project…," it said in a BSE filing.

The Project is designed to generate 147.168 million units (MU) annually with 75% of the dependable year (water) flow. Arunachal Pradesh was to get 12% of free of cost power from the project.

The Pakkebung-II hydropower project (15 MW) is a run-of-the-river project proposed to be established on Pakke Bung river in East Kameng.

The proposed project could generate 105 MU annually, with 755 of dependable year (water) flow. Arunachal Pradesh was to get 12% of free of cost power from the project.

The projects are being developed by subsidiaries of Arunachal Hydro Power Ltd, which is an associate company of EDCL. Arunachal hydropower is considering legal options to contest the termination of the agreements, the filing had further mentioned.

The TSA-CHU-I hydropower project (24 MW), the run-of-the-river Tsa-chu in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

However, earlier in February, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu had said that the state has the potential of generating 50,000 MW of hydropower.

Despite being the richest state of the country in terms of hydropower resources that have the potential overhaul its economy, Arunachal Pradesh still has to depend on the Centre for its sustenance.

At the moment, the state is producing only 2% of its hydropower potential.

The Chief Minister had asked the hydropower development department to prioritise 10 power projects that could be taken up during the next five-year period.

He had blamed 'petty politics' being played by some vested interests in putting hurdles or stalling power projects in the State.

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