After two decades of planning and construction, India is on the brink of launching its largest hydropower project near the Chinese border. The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLEHP), located on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, carries a price tag of $2.6 billion. Scheduled for trial operations in July, the project marks a significant milestone in India's pursuit of renewable energy and regional development.

According to reports, India's Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLEHP), a gravity dam with a capacity of 2000 MW, is set to begin trial runs in July. The state-run National Hydro Power Corporation Ltd. (NHPC) will oversee the project, which consists of eight units, each with a capacity of 250 MW.

The first unit is expected to be commissioned in December, with all eight units scheduled for completion by the end of 2024. The project, which faced delays and cost escalation due to environmental concerns, is located in the northeastern states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Finance Director Rajendra Prasad Goyal remarked “We need to get nearly 40 approvals from different departments before we start building a hydropower project. All the scrutiny should be done at this stage.” He said, “Any stoppage after the construction has begun is problematic.”

According to reports, the SLEHP in India faced significant delays and opposition from locals. The project encountered concerns regarding increased seismic threats, landslides, ecological impacts, displacement of people, and violations of the Brahmaputra Board Act. These issues led to postponements and cost escalations.

 However, the northeastern region of India holds substantial hydropower potential, accounting for 40% of the country's total capacity. The expedited completion of NHPC projects in the region is driven by concerns over China's planned 60,000 MW project on the Yarlung Zangbo (Brahmaputra) river. India aims to mitigate water scarcity in case China diverts the river's flow to its arid region.

While hydroelectric projects in the Northeast are strategically significant for India's border areas, it is essential to consider the region's unique environmental, geological, and humanitarian concerns when implementing such projects.

Image source: Economic Times