Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have announced major hydropower initiatives as the two northeastern states intensify efforts to strengthen clean energy generation and reduce dependence on external power supply amid rising electricity demand.
In Mizoram, the state government is planning to develop a 132 MW hydroelectric power project on the Tuivai River in Saitual district near the Manipur border. Officials said the project is aimed at enhancing the state’s domestic power generation capacity, which currently remains limited despite increasing electricity consumption.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma chaired a high-level review meeting at the Chief Minister’s Office on Wednesday to expedite the proposed Tuivai Hydroelectric Project. Power Minister F. Rodingliana and senior officials of the Power and Electricity Department were also present.
Officials said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project has been completed and the proposal is ready for the tendering stage. The state government is considering implementing the project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
According to official estimates, Mizoram’s peak power demand currently stands at around 182 MW and is projected to rise to nearly 213 MW by 2030. Despite an installed generation capacity of 50.20 MW, actual local generation presently meets only around 10 per cent of the state’s requirement.
The state spends nearly Rs 649.54 crore annually on power purchases, excluding transmission costs, prompting the government to prioritise expansion of domestic electricity generation infrastructure.
Officials said the Tuivai project was originally surveyed by the Central Water Commission in 1992 with an estimated capacity of 210 MW. However, the plan was revised after part of the proposed dam area was found to extend into neighbouring Manipur, reducing the proposed capacity to 132 MW. The revised DPR estimates the project cost at Rs 2,289.50 crore, with completion expected within five years.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Greenko Demwe Power Limited for implementation of the 1,750 MW Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project in Lohit district.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein described the agreement as a landmark step in harnessing the state’s hydropower potential. The project, proposed on the Lohit River near Parasuram Kund, is expected to generate around 7,326 million units of clean energy annually while boosting infrastructure, connectivity and employment opportunities in the region.
Both projects are expected to strengthen the Northeast’s growing role in India’s renewable energy sector.
Follow us
