State Hydropower Policies

The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has formulated comprehensive hydropower policies to provide a clear regulatory framework for hydropower sector development.

Hydropower Policy 2007

The original Hydropower Policy established the foundation for modern hydropower development in Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Features:

Comprehensive framework for hydropower project development
Regulations for project identification and concession granting
Environmental and social compliance standards
Financial incentives and viability support mechanisms
Community benefit and local area development provisions
Dispute resolution mechanisms

Scope: Applies to all hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh

Document: Download Hydropower Policy 2007 (PDF)

Hydropower Policy 2008 and Amendment 2017

The 2008 policy provided updated provisions with technical refinements and modern practices. Subsequently, the 2017 amendment incorporated lessons learned and technological advancements.

Key Amendments (2017):

Updated technical specifications and standards
Modern environmental management practices
Improved transparency in project allocation
Enhanced community participation mechanisms
Adoption of international best practices
Climate change adaptation considerations

Applicability: Projects approved post-2008

Document: Download Hydropower Policy 2008 Amendment 2017 (PDF)

Policy Coverage

Project Identification and Allocation

Both policies establish procedures for:

Identification of viable hydropower projects
Technical feasibility assessment
Financial viability analysis
Concession agreement and bidding process
Developer selection and award

Environmental Protection

Comprehensive environmental provisions include:

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements
Forest clearance procedures
Biodiversity protection measures
Water quality management standards
Ecosystem preservation protocols

Social Responsibility

Social provisions encompass:

Community consent and participation
Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) policies
Local Area Development Fund (LADF) allocation and management
Skill development and employment generation
Social Impact Assessment (SIA)

Monitoring and Compliance

Robust monitoring frameworks include:

State Level Monitoring Committee (SLMC) oversight
Regular project performance monitoring
Environmental compliance verification
Social benefit delivery tracking
Annual performance reporting

Policy Administration

Implementation Authority: Department of Hydropower Development

Approval Body: Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Cabinet

Review Frequency: Periodic review every 5-10 years to incorporate technological and regulatory changes

Policy Objectives

Energy Security: Contribute to India's renewable energy goals through sustainable hydropower development
Economic Development: Generate revenue and employment through hydropower sector growth
Infrastructure Development: Support road, transmission, and communication infrastructure
Community Welfare: Ensure local communities benefit through LADF and employment
Environmental Protection: Maintain ecosystem integrity and biodiversity
Transparency: Establish clear, transparent procedures for all transactions

Policy Evolution

The policies have evolved to address:

Technological advancements in hydropower generation
Environmental management best practices
Community engagement methodologies
Climate change considerations
International standards and conventions
Lessons from project implementation

Key Policy Principles

Sustainability: Balancing economic, environmental, and social objectives

Transparency: Open and fair processes for project allocation and implementation

Accountability: Clear responsibility assignment and performance monitoring

Community Focus: Prioritizing local community welfare and participation

Technical Excellence: Maintaining high standards in project design and execution

Environmental Care: Stringent environmental protection and compliance requirements

Contact Information

For policy-related inquiries:

Commissioner, DHPD Email: commrdhpd.arn@gmail.com Phone: 8731931119 (PIO)

Civil Secretariat, Itanagar - 791111

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