Syllabus: GS 1, GS 2, GS 3
Why in the News?
- The Deputy Chief Minister launched a rebranded, modern identity for the Hydropower Department.
- New initiative named “DHPD 2.0”.
- Focuses on accelerating hydropower development and ensuring ecological sustainability.
- A new logo – depicts flowing rivers, rising sun, dams, and transmission lines.
Purpose of DHPD 2.0:
- Modernising Hydropower Governance:
- Streamlines project approval and execution.
- Strengthens inter-departmental coordination.
- Improves monitoring, transparency, and accountability.
- Clean Energy Transition:
- Positions hydropower as a core of Arunachal’s green energy roadmap.
- Strengthens India’s commitments under:
- Paris Agreement
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
- Supports the shift to low-carbon development.
- Balancing Development with Ecology:
- Ensures hydropower growth without harming – rivers, forests, tribal habitats, biodiversity hotspots.
- Encourages sustainable, nature-aligned infrastructure.
What are the Significance?
- Renewable Energy Leadership:
- Arunachal holds 40% of India’s total hydropower potential and over 9% of India’s small hydropower potential.
- The hydropower potential is estimated to be over 58,160 MW.
- 8 major river basins to harness its hydroelectric potentials.
- DHPD 2.0 aims to make the state the hydropower capital of India.
- Strengthens Northeast Power Grid:
- Boosts regional energy security.
- Enhances potential for cross-border energy trade with Bangladesh & Bhutan.
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels in the Northeast India.
- Economic Development:
- Hydropower brings state revenue, infrastructure and local employment.
- Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in energy production.
- Climate & Environmental Benefits:
- Increases the share of non-fossil fuel energy.
- Helps to reduce carbon emissions.
Issues & Challenges:
- Ecological Concerns:
- Large projects may cause – deforestation, soil erosion, habitat loss, threats to endemic species.
- Geological Fragility & Siltation:
- Arunachal lies in a high-seismic zone.
- Dams can trigger landslides.
- Rivers carry high silt load, reducing dam efficiency.
- Tribal & Riverine Impacts:
- Damming affects fish biodiversity and river flow.
- Tribal communities dependent on rivers may face livelihood disruption.
- Inter-State Concerns:
- Downstream impacts on Assam and other NE states.
- Protests over potential flooding, sedimentation and ecological loss.
- Delayed Implementation:
- Hydropower requires heavy investment and long timelines.
- Many projects stalled due to: Clearances, Litigation, Local opposition, Financial constraints.
- Climate Variability:
- The impact of glacial melt and changing rainfall affects river flows.
- Reduced predictability lowers hydropower output.
Way Forward:
- Prioritise Run-of-the-River Projects:
- Lower environmental footprint.
- Reduced displacement and submergence.
- Strengthen Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs):
- Involve ecologists, geologists, and tribal councils.
- Conduct transparent public hearings.
- Improve Inter-State Coordination:
- Collaborate with Assam and downstream states.
- Community Participation: Include local tribes, village councils, and youth bodies in planning. Provide livelihood support, compensation, and profit-sharing.
- Strengthen Disaster Preparedness: Integrate early warning systems, seismic monitoring, and climate-resilient design. Regular dam safety audits.
Source: Arunachal Times
