Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who also holds the portfolio of the power department, informed the state assembly that the Arunachal Pradesh government has terminated 44 agreements with private power developers as they were “not inclined to execute” projects. He also added that the terminated projects were offered to central public sector undertakings (CPSU), considering their performance and reliability. The majority of private hydropower developers have failed to execute their projects in the state. This has caused massive loss to the state. It is good that the government is planning to hand over these projects to the CPSUs. But there should be strict terms and conditions, so that state benefits in the long run.
At present, there are a few major hydropower projects being undertaken by CPSUs in the state. But often it is alleged that the locals have not really benefited from them. The majority of the workforce are outsiders and very few get selected for the job. The state government needs to look into this aspect. Further, the state government should promote its own local bodies like the Hydropower Power Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh Limited (HPDCAPL). A few of the major projects whose contracts have been terminated should be handed over to the HPDCAPL. The state will earn more revenue and a greater number of people will get employment opportunities. The resources of the state should be in the hands of the local people and not outsiders.