India Approves Largest Hydropower Project in Arunachal

India has given the green light to its biggest hydropower venture, the Dibang Multipurpose Project (MPP), located in the mountainous northeast region adjacent to China, in response to the growing need for renewable energy to satisfy increasing electricity demand. According to a Bloomberg report, the project will be built by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited.

As per media sources, Himanshu Thakkar, who is the coordinator for the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers, and People, has stated that the Dibang Multipurpose Project faces comparable risks as it is being constructed on over 5,000 hectares (12,360 acres) of forest land. According to Thakkar, the nine-year timeline projected by the company is overly optimistic when taking into consideration potential delays caused by local protests and geological challenges. He further added that the project’s cost would be significantly higher, and its benefits would be much lower, indicating that such projects lack feasibility.

The authorised investment for the project includes 67.2 billion rupees of government assistance for flood moderation and critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges that will connect the construction site.