Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has said the state was facing problems in getting environment clearances, in some cases taking years, for the proposed hydropower projects.
Attending a panel discussion on ‘Hydropower Projects in North-East’ at New Delhi yesterday, Tuki said the state was facing serious problems in getting Forest and Environment clearances, official sources said here today. Arunachal Pradesh has 40 per cent of the country’s total hydropower generation potential. Tuki requested the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests to have a more positive role in hydropower development in the state.
Due to staff constraints and other factors, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) are unable to speed up the issuance of Techno-Economical Clearance (TEC) despite their efforts to examine the DPRs and issue the clearances, he said. In addition, there are some more major roads that need to be built at the earliest under the Centre’s schemes. Highlighting the significance of hydropower, the Chief Minister said it produces clean energy and would regulate the flow of water during rainy seasons, moderate floods and consequently save losses of life, property and agricultural prospects in downstream areas. Earlier, Tuki informed that of the projected 60000 MW potential in the state, projects of almost 42000 MW installed capacity have already been allotted, while additional 10000 MW is likely to be allotted soon. (PTI)
