Arunachal Pradesh Declares 2025-35 as ‘Decade of Hydro Power.
Arunachal Pradesh Declares 2025-35 as ‘Decade of Hydro Power.
Latest Update (June 2025)
The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has officially declared the decade from 2025 to 2035 as the “Decade of Hydro Power”.
The state aims to accelerate the development of its vast hydropower potential, positioning itself as the “Powerhouse of India”.
Background and Significance
Aspect
Details
Installed Hydro Potential
Arunachal Pradesh has an estimated hydropower potential of 50,000+ MW — highest among Indian states
Current Utilisation
Less than 2% of this potential is currently tapped
Key Rivers
Subansiri, Siang, Kameng, Lohit, Dibang — all tributaries of Brahmaputra
National Importance
Aligns with India’s goals of energy security, green energy transition, and grid balancin
Key Objectives of the Initiative
Objective
Explanation
Boost hydropower development
Fast-track clearances and construction of pending large and medium projects
Attract investment
Encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and FDI in energy infrastructure
Green energy transition
Hydropower as base-load renewable to complement solar and wind
Employment generation
Create local jobs in construction, engineering, and support services
Border infrastructure and security
Strengthen presence in strategic border regions with China
Major Projects in Pipeline (2025–2035)
Project Name
Capacity (MW)
Developer
Status
Subansiri Lower
2000 MW
NHPC
Nearing completion
Dibang Multipurpose
2880 MW
NHPC
Under construction
Etalin HEP
3097 MW
JV with Jindal Power Ltd.
Environment concerns raised
Siang Upper/Lower
11000+ MW
Multiple proposals
Planning stage
Environmental and Tribal Concerns
Issue
Description
Ecological impact
Large dams in Eastern Himalayas affect fragile ecosystems, river flow
Displacement
Potential displacement of tribal communities and biodiversity loss
Earthquake-prone zones
Region lies in Seismic Zone V, increasing risk of dam failure
Consultation and Consent
Under Forest Rights Act, local gram sabhas must approve land acquisition
GS Paper Linkages
GS Paper
Topics Covered
GS II
Federalism, Centre-State coordination in energy and environment
GS III
Infrastructure – Energy, Environment, and Disaster Management
Essay
“Harnessing Himalayan hydropower: Green energy or ecological threat?”
Opportunities for India
Opportunity
Explanation
Reduce fossil fuel dependence
Supports India’s Net Zero by 2070 target
Energy export to NE neighbours
Possibility to export clean energy to Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar
Grid stability
Hydropower offers reliable load balancing with solar/wind intermittency
Border security
Strategic infrastructure enhances India’s presence along the China border
Practice Mains Question
“Hydropower development in Arunachal Pradesh offers a strategic and environmental opportunity for India. Discuss the challenges and solutions in balancing ecological sustainability with energy needs.” (15 marks)
Conclusion
Arunachal Pradesh’s Decade of Hydro Power (2025–2035) marks a bold step in India’s energy transition journey, especially in the Northeast.
While opportunities abound, balancing ecological sustainability, tribal rights, and regional security will determine the success of this initiative.
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