44 hydro deals with private power players cancelled by Arunachal govt

The Arunachal Pradesh government has taken the decision to cancel 44 hydropower deals with private developers who showed no interest in executing them, according to State Deputy Prime Minister Chowna Mein. The withdrawn projects, with a total installed capacity of 32,415 megawatts, will now be handed over to Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) through fresh agreements. Arunachal Pradesh had previously signed 153 deals with various CPSUs and independent power producers for hydropower projects, with a combined capacity of 46,943 MW. However, many projects did not progress beyond the allotment stage, leading to the termination of agreements for 44 projects. Despite multiple notices served, private developers failed to demonstrate any interest in executing these projects, as stated by Mein, who also holds the power portfolio in the state. To ensure the efficient utilization of resources, the terminated projects have been offered to CPSUs based on their performance and reliability. Already, fresh agreements for nine out of the 44 projects, with an installed capacity of 1,300 MW, have been signed. The remaining agreements will be processed soon, as stated by Mein. As part of this reallocation, the 120 MW Nafra and 90 MW New Melling projects have been handed over to the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd., while the 420 MW Amulin, 500 MW Emini, and 400 MW Mihundon projects have been entrusted to the Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. The centre has prepared an indicative list of 29 projects, which has been analyzed and evaluated by CPSUs such as the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Ltd. This move aims to streamline the development and utilization of hydropower resources in Arunachal Pradesh.