Turning its full gaze NE-wards, which can generate anywhere up to 53,257 MW, NHPC wants to make the region powerhouse of India.

THE National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) wants to generate over 25,000 MWs in the North-East by the end of the 12th Plan. Says Yogendra Prasad, Chairman, NHPC, "Our plan will effectively make NE the powerhouse of India. Abundant and cheap power is our goal."

NE can generate any where upto 63,257 MW. But only 15 per cent of the potential has been developed. Another seven per cent is under various stages of development. NHPC is not new to North-East. Its association with the region goes back to the time of its inception in 1975 when it got involved in the construction of 105 MW Loktak (Manipur). It is only now that it is turning its full gaze NE-wards by taking up survey and investigation of mega hydel projects in Siang, Subansiri and Dibang basins in Arunachal Pradesh.

These surveys got underway over the past three years. Subansiri Lower (2,000 MW) is located near Gerukamukh on Assam-Arunachal border, about 60 kms from Lakhimpur town. The detailed project report (DPR) has received the techno-economic clearance. Once the political go ahead comes, work on the project begins. Cost Rs.10, 000 crore. Target 11th Plan end.

Subansiri Middle (1600 MW) is also scheduled to be completed during the 11th Plan. The DPR of the project will be ready in another five months. The DPR of  the Subansiri Upper (2000 MW) is also expected to be submitted to the government by October next.

The NHPC has also taken up three projects on the Siang river basin which contributes nearly 30 per cent discharge of Brahmaputra basin and it is envisaged to provide a total installed capacity of 13,700 MW. Siang Middle (1,000 MW) is expected to be commissioned by end of 11th Plan. The DPR of the project is more or less ready. Investigations are underway for the Siang Lower (11,000 MW) and Siang Middle (1700 MW). The DPR of Dibang multipurpose project will be ready in a month or so.

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