Power Minister Manohar Lal reviews Power Sector schemes and projects in Arunachal Pradesh

by Psu Connect
Date: 08-07-24

Union Minister suggests providing options to consumers for self-meter and bill generation thorough a mobile App

Power Minister Manohar Lal reviews Power Sector schemes and projects in Arunachal Pradesh

Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, chaired the review meeting of Power Sector of Arunachal Pradesh today in Itanagar. Chief Minister, Shri Pema Khandu, Dy. Chief Minister, Shri Chowna Mein, Secretary (Power), Shri. Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Govt. of India, and Chief Secretary, Shri Dharmendra, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh were present in the meeting.

In his address, Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, mentioned that the Central Government is making continuous efforts for the overall progress of the North-Eastern region of the country. In the last decade, the Union Government has been extremely sensitive to the needs of the region and has been taking up works for better connectivity, improved infrastructure and welfare of the people. He mentioned that Arunachal Pradesh has about 38% (about 50 GW) of India’s total hydropower potential, the highest among all States.

It was discussed that Compensatory Afforestation Land availability is crucial for taking up early development of hydro power projects in the State. It was discussed that land for Compensatory Afforestation Land may also be explored in other States as well. It was emphasized to simplify the process for sanction of new connections and the format of electricity bills which may be easily understood by the consumers.
Further, he suggested for providing options to consumers for self-meter reading once in every 2 months and bill generation thorough a mobile App. He emphasized that availability of supply of quality power in the State will also facilitate growth in industrial sector which will create opportunities of employment in the State.

On the Power Distribution front, he advised for expeditious implementation of works sanctioned under RDSS. He advised for implementing various reform measures prescribed under the scheme for improving the financial viability and operational efficiency of the Power Department. Power Department was also advised to target improvement in the consumer service rating from ‘C’ to atleast ‘B’ within this year. The Minister sought cooperation from the State in achieving the ambitious goals that are set before the power sector of the country

Chief Minister thanked Union Minister of Power for selecting Arunachal Pradesh on his 1st visit to any State after the new Government has been formed. He assured of taking necessary measures/ policy decision to ensure growth of Power sector in the State. He informed that over the past few years infrastructure development in the State has picked the pace and sought continued support from Govt. of India in near future.

Deputy Chief Minister assured full support of Power Department to CPSEs for different Hydro project in the State. He expressed that with joint efforts of State Govt. and CPSEs, 13 HEPs will be completed within stipulated timelines. This will contribute about Rs. 10,000 crore per annum to the revenues of the State, thereby raising the per capita income to the level of developed States. He suggested for taking all necessary measures for early completion of prestigious 2000 MW Subansiri Lower and 2800 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project.