Itanagar, Jun 17: In a major boost to Arunachal Pradesh's hydropower development, the state government and NHPC Ltd on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the development of the 3,097 MW Etalin Hydroelectric Project in Dibang Valley district.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, NHPC Director (Projects) Sanjay Kumar Singh and senior officials of the state government and NHPC.
The MoA was formally signed by NHPC Group General Manager Deepak Rattan Sagar and Joint Secretary (Hydropower), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Hage Lailang.
Describing the project as a transformative initiative, Chief Minister Khandu said the Etalin Hydroelectric Project would generate around 11,600 million units of clean energy annually upon completion.
“This is the kind of development that changes everything. It strengthens the national grid, supports economic growth and brings infrastructure, jobs and opportunities to remote regions that deserve attention and investment,” Khandu said.
He expressed confidence that NHPC would execute the project in a sustainable and responsible manner while ensuring the participation of local communities in the development process.
NHPC Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Bhupender Gupta said the project reflects the shared vision of NHPC and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to harness the state's immense hydropower potential in a sustainable, environmentally responsible and community-centric manner.
He said the project is expected to generate long-term socio-economic benefits, create livelihood opportunities and contribute significantly to regional development.
“Upon commissioning, the 3,097 MW Etalin Hydroelectric Project will be the largest hydroelectric project in India and will make a substantial contribution to the country's clean energy transition, energy security and sustainable development goals,” Gupta said.
No delays in hydro projects: Khandu
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also chaired a Steering Committee meeting on hydropower development, during which the progress of hydroelectric projects being implemented by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) was reviewed.
Khandu said all ongoing projects, bottlenecks and implementation timelines were examined in detail and stressed the need for timely execution.
“The message from the meeting is very clear—no delays, no excuses and no slow movement,” he remarked, reaffirming the government's commitment to expediting hydropower development in the state.
The Etalin project is among the most ambitious hydropower initiatives in the country and forms a key component of Arunachal Pradesh's strategy to emerge as a major contributor to India's clean energy future.