Arunachal Pradesh is moving ahead with a large hydropower expansion plan, backed by its rivers, steep Himalayan terrain and official estimates of more than 50,000 MW of potential. The state government has declared 2025 to 2035 as the “Decade of Hydropower”, placing the sector at the centre of its economic planning.
According to the source, the state is targeting nearly 19,165 MW of hydropower capacity through 33 upcoming projects. The plan links power generation with wider goals such as state revenue, local employment, roads, connectivity and development in remote districts.
Existing hydropower projects in the state
Five hydropower projects have already been commissioned in Arunachal Pradesh. Together, they have added to the region’s electricity generation and supported related infrastructure in project areas.
- Kameng Hydroelectric Project: 600 MW
- Pare Hydroelectric Project: 110 MW
- Lower Panyor Hydroelectric Project: 405 MW
- Dikshi Hydroelectric Project: 24 MW
- Khangtang Hydroelectric Project: 7 MW
The Kameng Hydroelectric Project, commissioned in 2022, is among the major operational projects in the region. It supplies clean electricity to the national grid.
Major projects under construction and planning
One of the biggest ongoing projects is the Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project, located along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary. Developed by NHPC, it has a planned capacity of 2,000 MW through eight units of 250 MW each. The project is being commissioned in phases.
The Dibang Multipurpose Project in Dibang Valley is planned with a capacity of 2,880 MW. The source says it is expected to become India’s largest hydropower project when completed. It is also designed for flood moderation in the Brahmaputra basin. The project is expected to be completed around 2032 and will include a 288-metre dam.
The proposed Etalin Hydroelectric Project, also in Dibang Valley, has a planned capacity of 3,097 MW. It is being developed by SJVN and has received regulatory progress, including recommendations linked to forest clearance. Its approved cost is stated to be more than ₹30,000 crore.
Another planned project in Dibang Valley is the Attunli Hydroelectric Project. It is proposed as a 680 MW run-of-the-river scheme and is expected to generate about 2,728 million units of electricity annually.
Newly approved mega projects
In April 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved investment of more than ₹26,000 crore for the Kamala Hydroelectric Project. The 1,720 MW project will cover Kamle, Kra Daadi and Kurung Kumey districts. It is expected to generate nearly 6,870 million units of electricity annually and will be developed jointly by NHPC and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Union Cabinet also approved the Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project in Anjaw district. The project has a planned capacity of 1,200 MW and an investment of more than ₹14,000 crore. It will be developed by THDC India Ltd in partnership with the state government and is expected to generate around 4,853 million units annually.
The source says the Kalai-II project is also expected to support employment opportunities and improve local infrastructure, including roads, healthcare and connectivity in remote regions.
Other projects in the pipeline
Several other hydropower projects are at different stages of planning, approval or implementation. These include the Heo Hydroelectric Project of 240 MW, Tato-I Hydroelectric Project of 186 MW, Tato-II, Naying, Hirong, Demwe Lower, Tawang-I, Tawang-II, Subansiri Upper and Hutong projects.
The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is also listed as a proposed project with a capacity of 11,000 MW. Many of these projects are being taken forward through partnerships between the state government and central public-sector undertakings such as NHPC, NEEPCO, SJVN and THDC India Ltd.
Revenue and local development
Hydropower projects are expected to add to Arunachal Pradesh’s financial resources through existing arrangements. The source states that the state receives 12% free power, 1% allocation for Local Area Development Funds and up to 26% equity participation in several joint venture projects.
These revenues are expected to support spending on healthcare, education, roads, tourism and welfare programmes. Large projects may also create direct and indirect employment for local youth, while related infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, transmission networks and healthcare facilities can benefit nearby communities.
Clean energy and environmental concerns
Hydropower is being presented as part of India’s renewable energy plans because it can provide clean and flexible power. It can also help balance solar and wind generation in the electricity grid.
At the same time, the source notes that sustainability remains a major concern. Arunachal Pradesh is rich in biodiversity, and hydropower development raises questions about forests, river systems, rehabilitation and downstream effects. The government and project developers have referred to environmental assessments, community consultations and rehabilitation measures as part of responsible development.
For Arunachal Pradesh, the success of the hydropower push will depend on how these projects are implemented. The state is looking at hydropower as a source of electricity, revenue and infrastructure, while the environmental and community impacts will remain central to public discussion.
Source: MyGov Blog.