Subansiri River Journey Signals New Era Of Hydropower And Tourism
The chief minister said the Subansiri region with its rivers and forests has strong potential for ecotourism and high-end recreation, and the government will prepare a master plan in consultation with local communities. He noted the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, initiated in 2001, has regained momentum after earlier protests and that machinery is largely operational. Officials said the project is expected to generate 2,000 megawatts (MW) of power by December, which would make it the largest hydroelectric project in the country.
The proposed plan envisages eco-friendly tourism infrastructure, luxury resorts, water sports and other high-end recreational facilities, and the government is considering high-speed yachts and improved accessibility to attract tourists, filmmakers and investors. The chief minister emphasised that tourism initiatives must respect land classifications, including community land and reserve forests, and must preserve the region's ecological heritage. He called for coordinated planning and active local participation to ensure sustainable development.
He underlined hydropower as a clean source critical for long-term energy security amid global uncertainties and said projects with a combined capacity of nearly 19,000–20,000 MW are at various stages of development in the state. He noted that the Subansiri project has a reservoir stretch of nearly 45 kilometres, a record that could be surpassed only by the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. He expressed appreciation to people of Kamle, Lower Siang and Upper Subansiri districts and was accompanied by senior officials.