The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved the first hydroelectric project in the Lohit Basin of Arunachal Pradesh with an estimated cost of ₹14,105 crore. This marks a significant step towards harnessing the hydropower potential of Northeast India.
Key Features of the Project
Location: Lohit River Basin, Arunachal Pradesh
Type: Hydroelectric Power Project
Estimated Cost: ₹14,105 crore
This is the first major hydropower project in the Lohit Basin, indicating the beginning of large-scale energy development in the region.
About Lohit River:
Lohit River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River
Originates in eastern Tibet (China)
Flows through Arunachal Pradesh before joining Brahmaputra in Assam
Known for its high hydropower potential due to steep gradients
Additional Key Facts
India has a total hydropower potential of ~145 GW, but only partially utilized
Arunachal Pradesh holds ~40% of India’s hydropower potential
Hydropower is classified as renewable energy
Key benefits of hydropower:
Low carbon emissions
Long project life
Grid stability support
Related initiatives:
National Hydropower Policy (2019)
Push for small and large hydro projects in Northeast
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