A Navratna CPSE under the Union Ministry of Power, SJVN Limited has made a statement regarding an investment of ₹60,000 crore associated with the construction of five hydro-electric power projects in Arunachal Pradesh, all of which are situated in Dibang Valley district. Collectively, these projects are expected to increase the region’s IPP to 5,097 megawatts (MW).
Etalin Hydro-Electric Project to Lead the Way
SJVN Limited’s flagship project Etalin Hydro Electric Project is one of the largest multi-purpose hydro projects in the country with an install capacity of 3097 MW and is designed to be the primary project amongst the other four projects. Under a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed with the Arunachal Pradesh government on August 12, 2023 , SJVN received and assumed the management of Etalin Hydro Electric Project along with four others.
The work of Etalin project includes the construction of two dams on Dri River and Tangon (Talo) River which will funnel water to an underground power station beside Etalin village. It is estimated that the project will be operational by December 2033.
Land Compensation Released for Local Communities
Lastly, an outstanding payment of land compensation of ₹269.98 crore was disbursed by SJVN towards completing the pre requisites of the Etalin project. This amount was credited to the joint account of officials of the district of Dibang Valley on 26 March 2025.
SJVN’s CMD Raj Kumar Chaudhary said, “The disbursement of this compensation amount is certainly one of the important steps in the honoring of the rights of the local people while simultaneously constructing infrastructure for the development of the country.”
Arunachal Government’s Support for Hydro Expansion
While reviewing with SJVN, CM Pema Khandu asked Chaudhary to explain the current and upcoming developments of SJVN’s at the Tawang Circuit House. The CM, during the meeting, motivated the developers towards undertaking the small hydro projects in the unexploited river basins to further stretch the state’s energy stretch as well.
Renewable Energy Expansion by Other CPSUs in the State
Along with SJVN Limited, other Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) like NHPC, NEEPCO and Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDCIL) are also executing big-ticket projects of hydro electric power stations in Arunachal Pradesh.
All these attempts lay basis for a renewable energy revolution campaign in northeast India and add towards the country’s targets of ensuring renewable sources of energy.
