Itanagar, Jan 27: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday said the state government has initiated consultations with major hydropower companies to strengthen and refine its Relief and Rehabilitation (R&R) Policy, with the aim of ensuring fair and effective support for communities affected by development projects.
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| Image Courtesy: x.com/PemaKhanduBJP |
In a social media post, Khandu stated that the government sought detailed feedback and on-ground inputs from leading hydropower developers, including NHPC, NEEPCO, and SJVN. The consultations form part of a broader effort to review existing rehabilitation and compensation mechanisms and make them more responsive to the realities faced by project-affected families.
According to the Chief Minister, the discussions focused on understanding the practical challenges encountered during the implementation of relief and rehabilitation measures in areas where major hydropower projects are being developed. The companies shared their experiences from the field, highlighting issues related to land acquisition, resettlement, compensation, livelihood restoration, and community engagement.
Khandu said the insights provided by the hydropower developers would play an important role in helping the state government improve its policies and address gaps in the current framework. He emphasized that lessons learned from ongoing and completed projects can contribute to creating a more balanced and effective rehabilitation system that safeguards the interests of local communities while facilitating infrastructure development.
The Chief Minister reiterated that strengthening the R&R policy remains a priority for the government, particularly as Arunachal Pradesh continues to harness its vast hydropower potential. He stressed that development should be inclusive and sustainable, ensuring that families and communities affected by large projects receive adequate compensation, rehabilitation support, and opportunities for long-term socio-economic growth.
Arunachal Pradesh is home to several major hydropower projects, many of which are being implemented in remote and ecologically sensitive regions. As such, the government is seeking to strike a balance between infrastructure expansion, economic development, and the welfare of local populations.
Khandu said the consultation process reflects the government’s commitment to participatory policymaking and evidence-based decision-making. He expressed confidence that the revised framework would help ensure smoother project implementation while protecting the rights and interests of project-affected people across the state.
The initiative is expected to contribute to a more transparent, equitable, and sustainable approach to development in Arunachal Pradesh.
