Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein highlighted the state’s vast hydropower potential and called for strong policy support from the Centre to unlock it, during a national-level energy meet in the capital. Speaking at the Power Ministerial Meet and India Electricity Summit 2026 held at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Mein said Arunachal Pradesh holds a key position in India’s clean energy plans. He noted that the state alone accounts for more than 38 per cent of the country’s total hydropower potential, with an estimated capacity of around 58 GW. He said that this potential can play a major role in meeting the country’s growing energy demand, but added that several challenges need to be addressed to move forward.
During the discussion, Mein stressed the need to speed up hydropower projects. He suggested that greater involvement of Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) would help in controlling rising costs and ensuring timely execution of projects.He also raised concerns about weak transmission infrastructure. According to him, both intra-state and inter-state power transmission systems need urgent strengthening. He proposed the development of 220 kV and higher voltage networks so that power generated in Arunachal can be efficiently transmitted to other parts of the country. The Deputy Chief Minister also sought extension of the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charge waiver beyond June 2028, suggesting that it should continue till 2035 to keep hydropower projects financially viable.
Highlighting ground-level challenges, Mein said better roads, bridges and basic infrastructure are necessary to support large-scale hydropower development in the state.The meeting was attended by Union Power and Housing Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar along with senior officials. Key issues such as financial health of the power sector, the Electricity Amendment Bill, National Electricity Policy and long-term energy planning were discussed. Reaffirming Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision, Mein said that timely policy decisions, investment support and coordination between the Centre and states will be crucial to fully utilise the state’s hydropower resources.
