CM Pema Khandu dedicates Sumbachu Hydro to people of Arunachal
Itanagar, Dec 2 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday dedicated to the people of the state the Sumbachu Small Hydropower Project (SHP) at Zemithang village in Tawang district.
The 2×1.5 MW Power Station, located about 92 km from the district headquarters, has been built by the State-owned Hydro Power Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh Limited (HPDCAPL), official sources said.
Speaking at the sidelines of the inaugural ceremony, Khandu said the project was “a dream come true” for the civilian population of Zemithang and its nearby areas as well as the Indian Army positioned in the international border.
“While the area is off-grid, power requirements reach the peak during winters. Functioning of this
SHP will bring succour to the people. I congratulate HPDCAPL for completing the project efficiently
on time,” he said.
Incidentally, the Sumbachu SHP is the first commissioned project of HPDCAPL, which endeavours
to generate at least 3,000 MW through small and mini hydropower projects in the state by the year 2030.
Advocating similar projects in various locations of the state, Khandu said small and stand-alone hydropower projects are the best solution to power requirements especially in remote areas which are off the grid including border outposts.
While reiterating his government’s firm resolve to give electricity to all unconnected villages, the Chief Minister said, “I have directed the Hydro Power Department to survey across the state where similar power generating stations can be built.”
“We are committed to provide power supply to every village of the state,” he added.
Present on the occasion were Advisor to Hydro Power Dept and lawmaker Balo Raja, local legislator Jambey Tashi, HPDCAPL CMD Toko Onuj, Commander of 190 Mountain Brigade, Brig Vijaykumar R Jagtap and Tawang Deputy Commissioner Sang Phuntsok, among others.
On the day, Khandu also inaugurated the newly-established museum cum library at Zemithang
village’s Gorsam Chorten, one of the largest stupas in Asia, sources added.