| Staff REPORTER |
Itanagar, Sep 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 5,100 crore in Arunachal Pradesh, in the presence of Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and other dignitaries.
Before addressing a massive public rally here, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of two major hydropower projects — the Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW) and the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW). To be developed by NEEPCO in joint venture with the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, the projects together involve an investment of more than Rs 3,700 crore.
The Heo project, located in the Siyom sub-basin of Shi Yomi district, will house three units of 80 MW each and generate about 1,000 million units (MUs) of electricity annually. The Tato-I project, comprising three units of 62 MW each, is expected to produce around 803 MUs annually.
Officials said these projects will tap into Arunachal Pradesh’s vast hydroelectric potential, boost sustainable energy production, create employment, and accelerate local development, thereby contributing to India’s clean energy goals and the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of a state-of-the-art integrated convention centre at Tawang. With a seating capacity of over 1,500, the facility will host national and international conferences, cultural festivals, and exhibitions, giving a major boost to tourism and the local economy.
Additionally, Modi laid the foundation stones of 10 key infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,291 crore, including establishment of a 76-bedded State Cancer Institute in Midpu near Itanagar, construction of working women’s hostels in 26 districts, and setting up of 9 Fire Stations across the state (including Wakro, Chowkham, Hayuliang, Mebo, Kimin, Deomali, Miao, Lungla, and Kalaktang).
Hailing the launch of transformative projects, Governor Parnaik, who along with CM Khandu and Kiren Rijiju, warmly received the Prime Minister, expressed confidence that the initiatives would provide a significant boost to Arunachal’s economy. He noted that harnessing the state’s vast hydropower potential would not only strengthen India’s clean energy mission but also create new livelihood opportunities for the state’s educated youth.
Highlighting their multi-dimensional impact, Parnaik said the projects would further promote tourism, spur the growth of the service sector, and provide wider markets and visibility for Arunachal’s rich tradition of textiles and handicrafts. He described the launch as a reflection of the Prime Minister’s vision to unlock the state’s true potential and ensure development reaches every corner of Arunachal Pradesh.
Taking to social media, CM Khandu said the presence of the Prime Minister “fills our land with new energy, hope, and pride.” He added that the people of Arunachal Pradesh stand united with Modi’s vision of building a strong, self-reliant, and vibrant Viksit Bharat.
Also present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, State Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte, Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao, and Rajya Sabha MP Nabam Rebia, among others.