Itanagar, March 21: Chowna Mein underscored Arunachal Pradesh’s strategic importance in India’s clean energy transition, stating that the state accounts for over 38 per cent of the country’s total hydropower potential.
Speaking at the Power Ministerial Meet and India Electricity Summit 2026 held at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Mein highlighted the need for targeted policy and infrastructure measures to unlock the state’s estimated 58 GW hydropower capacity.
The meeting was attended by Manohar Lal Khattar and other senior officials, where discussions focused on key sectoral issues including financial viability, the Electricity Amendment Bill, the National Electricity Policy, and plans to expand nuclear capacity by 2047.
During a panel discussion, Mein called for accelerating hydropower development through increased participation of Central Public Sector Undertakings to manage escalating project costs. He also emphasised the urgent need to strengthen intra-state and inter-state transmission networks, proposing the expansion of 220 kV and higher voltage infrastructure to improve power evacuation.
Seeking long-term policy support, Mein urged the extension of the Inter-State Transmission System charge waiver beyond June 2028 until 2035 to ensure project viability. He further highlighted the importance of improving roads, bridges, and supporting infrastructure to facilitate timely execution of projects.
Reaffirming the state’s commitment to the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision, Mein called for coordinated efforts, sustained investment, and policy backing to fully harness Arunachal Pradesh’s hydropower potential.
