Latest news with #SubansiriLowerHydroelectricProject
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Defend Assamese identity, says Assam CM in I-Day speech
The Northeastern States defied a boycott call by extremist groups to celebrate the country's 79th Independence Day peacefully, barring a stray incident in Meghalaya's capital, Shillong. Officials said motorcycle-borne miscreants hurled a petrol bomb at the Pasteur Beat House early on Friday (August 15, 2025) morning. A police vehicle was partially damaged in the attack, suspected to have been carried out by youths associated with the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council, one of the extremist groups that gave the boycott call. In their Independence Day speeches, the Chief Ministers of the region outlined their plans. While most were upbeat, Assam's Himanta Biswa Sarma warned about a future where Assamese people would be at the mercy of 'unknown people' unless they defend their identity. 'We, the Assamese, cannot stay silent, or else we will lose our race, land, and hearth in 10 years. About 80% of our Ministers will be unknown people within 15 years, and the I-Day tricolour will be hoisted by an unknown Chief Minister two decades hence,' he said. Promising to continue with the anti-encroachment drive to reclaim government lands, he said the bureaucracy under previous governments will have to explain how 'infiltrators' were allowed to take over swathes of forestlands and notified grazing lands. Follow Independence Day LIVE updates Green projects in Arunachal Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu underlined the government's plan to fast-track all green energy projects, revive the stalled ones, and pursue public-private partnerships. 'Green energy is silently transforming our future. With unmatched natural potential, Arunachal is becoming India's green energy powerhouse. Our hydropower and critical mineral resources like graphite, limestone, and dolomite will power solar panels, batteries, and electric mobility for decades to come,' he said in his address. Mr. Khandu said the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project would be ready by May 2026 while the 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project has a February 2032 completion target. He added that work on new hydropower projects, worth ₹2 lakh crore, would start in the next three years. He said the government expects ₹4,000 crore in annual revenue as free power after these projects are completed. His Meghalaya counterpart, Conrad K. Sangma, said the State aspired to become a $100 billion economy by 2047. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha appealed to the State's youth to unleash their passion for a developed India, dream big, and shape a glorious future. Naga political issue Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called upon the citizens to uphold unity, peace, and cultural pride while working towards a self-reliant and inclusive State. He said resolving the 'Naga political issue' remained the top priority of his government. The issue refers to a peace process between the Centre and Naga extremist groups since 1997.
Time of India
09-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Subansiri dam: NHPC installs 395-tonne generator stator
1 2 3 4 5 6 Dibrugarh: The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation's (NHPC) 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project reached a milestone on Friday with the successful installation of the generator stator for unit 5, marking a crucial step towards the commissioning of the mega hydropower project. The 395-tonne component, featuring an 11.5-metre bore diameter, was lowered into the generator barrel in a complex engineering operation that signals renewed momentum for the long-delayed infrastructure project. The achievement represents the largest generator installation among all Indian hydro projects to date. "This significant achievement paves the way for early commissioning of 5 units (1,250 MW) out of the total eight units of the project. Each of the eight 250 MW units operates with an independent water conductor system, which is a remarkable engineering achievement in itself," said Rajendra Prasad Goyal, chairman and managing director of NHPC, who attended the milestone event via video conference from the corporate office. The installation ceremony was witnessed remotely by senior NHPC leadership, including Uttam Lal, director (personnel); Sanjay Kumar Singh, director (projects); Suprakash Adhikari, director (technical); and Santosh Kumar, chief vigilance officer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors are going crazy for these comfy, stylish, easy-on shoes Ultra-Comfortable Shoes Undo On-site supervision was provided by the executive director and head of the project, along with senior project officials and representatives from the equipment supplier. The Subansiri project's journey has been marked by challenges since its inception. Originally approved by the Centre in 2003, construction began two years later with a 2014 completion target. However, despite achieving approximately 50 per cent completion of the critical infrastructure — including tunnels, dam, powerhouse, and civil works — the project ground to a complete halt in Dec 2011. The 8-year suspension resulted from opposition by anti-dam organisations, which raised environmental and social concerns about the project's impact on local communities and ecosystems. The prolonged stalemate continued until Oct 2019, when the National Green Tribunal granted clearance. Unlike conventional hydroelectric projects, the Subansiri facility employs run-of-the-river technology, which generates electricity by harnessing flowing water energy without requiring large reservoirs. The project infrastructure spans both in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, with the dam situated 2.3km upstream of the Subansiri river in Arunachal. Energy experts anticipate that the full 2,000 MW capacity will strengthen India's renewable energy portfolio & enhance electricity access throughout the northeast. After nearly two decades of planning, construction delays and renewed efforts, the Subansiri project appears back on track, with Friday's milestone marking a pivotal moment in its troubled but determined journey towards completion. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
The Print
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Print
NHPC awaits clearance to start commissioning process of 3 units Subansiri Lower HE Project
On May 26, NHPC said the company is looking to start the process of commissioning 3 units (250 MW each) of the Subansiri Lower HE Project in June. NHPC, under the Ministry of Power, is in the process of constructing the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project. New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) State-owned NHPC on Monday said the company is waiting for a clearance from the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) to start the process of commissioning 3 units (250 MW each) of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project. While the remaining 5 units of 250 MW each are expected to be completed by May 2026 in a phased manner. 'In continuation to our earlier letters… it is to inform that clearance from NDSA is awaited for commercial operation of 3 units (250 MW each) of Subansiri Lower HE Project. Further, development in this regard will be informed in due course,' NHPC said in a filing. Subansiri Lower HE Project is the largest hydroelectric project ever undertaken in India and is a run-of-river project with water storage on the Subansiri. It is located near North Lakhimpur on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The nearest railhead is Nagaon, and the nearest airport is Lilabari/Dibrugarh. The estimated annual energy generation from the project in a 90 per cent reliable year is 7,421.59 MU. PTI ABI TRB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Ticking bomb': AJYCP rallies against Subansiri dam risks
1 2 3 Dibrugarh: Activists from Asom the Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) staged a massive demonstration near the 2,000MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project at Gerukamukh on Saturday, demanding an immediate halt to construction until key safety measures are implemented. The protest, held along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border in Lakhimpur district, was led by AJYCP president Palash Changmai. Demonstrators raised slogans against the mega project, alleging that it poses serious environmental and safety threats to downstream communities. AJYCP activists demanded the suspension of construction until the expert committee's safety recommendations are fully implemented and public concerns regarding flooding and environmental degradation are addressed. Protesters voiced fears that the nearly completed run-of-the-river dam could worsen flooding in downstream areas, especially impacting vulnerable communities along the Brahmaputra river system. "The mega dam is a ticking water bomb that threatens the lives and livelihoods of thousands in Assam. We are not against development, but we cannot support a project that endangers our very existence. Construction must not proceed until all expert committee recommendations are implemented and our concerns are heard," Changmai said. The project on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, has faced controversy since its inception. Designed to generate 2,000MW energy, it has encountered sustained opposition from locals, environmental groups, and student organisations who question its long-term safety and ecological impact.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Students body seeks halt to mega dams and national disaster status for Assam floods
1 2 3 4 5 6 Dibrugarh: Members of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) on Monday took part in a three-hour sit-in demonstration in several upper Assam districts, including Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur and Majuli, demanding an immediate halt to mega dam projects and the declaration of Assam's flood and erosion crisis as a "national disaster. " The protests, organised simultaneously across district headquarters, saw strong participation from students and youth activists. The demonstrators raised slogans against the construction of large hydroelectric projects, particularly targeting the 2000-MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP), which they claim will exacerbate flooding and environmental damage in downstream areas. In Tinsukia, the demonstration was led by AJYCP central committee assistant general secretary Surajit Moran, district president Prabin Tamuli, and general secretary Kalyanjyoti Moran. Addressing the gathering, Surajit Moran said, "The govt is ignoring the warnings of experts and pushing ahead with dangerous dam projects. The Subansiri dam, which is now nearing completion, poses a severe threat to lakhs of people living downstream. Until the expert committee's safety recommendations are fully implemented and public concerns are addressed, construction must stop." The SLHEP, located on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, has been a source of controversy since its inception. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Local communities and environmental groups have raised concerns about potential downstream flooding, seismic risks, and ecological damage to the Brahmaputra river system. Construction on the project has faced multiple delays due to public opposition and legal challenges. Prabin Tamuli, AJYCP Tinsukia president, said, "Assam faces annual flooding that displaces thousands and causes immense devastation. This is not just a state problem — it requires national attention and resources. The govt must recognise flood and erosion as a national disaster and allocate appropriate funds for long-term solutions." Similar demonstrations were reported in Dibrugarh, Dhemaji and Lakhimpur, where protesters highlighted how dam-induced floods have wiped out farmlands and homes. In Majuli, the world's largest river island, activists warned that unchecked dam construction could accelerate the island's erosion. At the end of the protest, AJYCP Tinsukia unit submitted a memorandum to Tinsukia DC Swapneel Paul, addressed to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, urging the state govt to take up the issue with the Centre.
