ITANAGAR, May 27: Arunachal Pradesh marked a major milestone in its hydropower development journey on Wednesday after the Government of Arunachal Pradesh (GoAP) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Greenko Demwe Power Limited for the implementation of the 1750 MW Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project in Lohit district.
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| Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein looks on as officials exchange documents after the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Greenko Demwe Power Limited for the 1750 MW Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project in Lohit district. (Image: X/ChownaMeinBJP) |
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein described the agreement as a landmark moment for the state’s renewable energy sector and a significant step towards harnessing Arunachal Pradesh’s vast hydropower potential for sustainable development and clean energy generation.
The ambitious hydropower project is proposed on the Lohit River near the sacred pilgrimage site of Parasuram Kund in eastern Arunachal Pradesh. Once completed, the project is expected to generate around 7,326 million units (MU) of clean electricity annually, making it one of the largest hydropower ventures being developed in partnership with a private developer in the state.
Officials said the project is expected to provide substantial socio-economic benefits to the region through infrastructure development, employment generation, improved road connectivity, business opportunities, and increased investments.
“With an installed capacity of 1750 MW, the project will further strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s role in the renewable energy sector and accelerate the pace of development in the region,” Chowna Mein stated.
The Demwe Lower project forms part of Arunachal Pradesh’s broader strategy to emerge as a major hydropower hub in India. The northeastern state possesses one of the country’s largest untapped hydropower potentials due to its numerous perennial rivers originating in the Eastern Himalayas. The Lohit River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, has long been identified as a key river basin for hydropower generation.
Over the years, Arunachal Pradesh has signed multiple agreements for large hydropower projects with both public and private sector developers. However, several projects in the state have faced delays due to environmental concerns, land acquisition issues, funding constraints, and local opposition over displacement and ecological impact.
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Government officials said the state remains committed to ensuring that hydropower development is carried out responsibly while balancing environmental sustainability and the interests of local communities.
“Our Government remains committed to responsible and sustainable hydropower development that balances progress, environmental responsibility, and the welfare of local communities,” Mein added.
The Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project is expected to contribute significantly to India’s clean energy targets and strengthen the national renewable energy grid. Experts believe that hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh could play a crucial role in meeting rising electricity demand while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The signing of the MoA is also being seen as an important boost for investor confidence in Arunachal Pradesh’s infrastructure and energy sectors.
Officials indicated that further technical studies, environmental clearances, and implementation processes would now move forward as part of the project’s development phase.
