GUWAHATI:
The construction of India’s largest hydropower project- the 2880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project (DMP) will commence soon, Arunachal Pradesh deputy chief minister Chowna Mein said in a function in Itanagar on March 24.
DMP is a hydropower cum flood moderation scheme proposed on Dibang River in Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. The dam site is located about 1.5 km upstream of the confluence of Ashu Pani and Dibang rivers and about 43 km from Roing, district headquarter.
The project will be constructed by National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) at an estimated cost of Rs 30,000 crore.
The final forest clearance was issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and climate change (MoEFCC)in March 2020.
Notably, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary and Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary are located about 14 km and 35 km away from the reservoir p[eriphery of the project, respectively.
“The works for the largest hydropower projects have commenced with the allotment of construction works,” Mein said while virtually inaugurating 384 newly-installed smart street lights across six new locations in Itanagar Capital Complex on Friday.
“Soon the construction of six new hydropower projects will also begin in this fiscal,” Mein said.
The deputy chief minister said that power connectivity is one of the development indexes of any state or country and presently the state government is making every effort to rapidly enhance the power supply through the execution of transmission lines under RDSS and Comprehensive Scheme.
A mobile app called ‘Bel Citisol – One Control App’ was also launched during the event, through which the newly-installed street lights will be operated.
The smart lights have been installed at Mithun Gate to Raj Bhavan Road; Ziro point to Gompa / State Museum, Bank Tinali to State Guest House; Highway to Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly; Highway to Vivek Vihar Type-V VIP Bungalows; and Chandranagar Bridge Point to Bharat Petrol Pump, Chimpu.
Mein said that installed street lights will add ecstatic value to the town besides giving a secure feeling to the commuters and citizens during the night.
Mein added that these smart street lights are an effort of the Arunachal Pradesh government to make the Itanagar Capital Complex a smart city and to promote energy efficiency.
He also stated that the installation of street lights is expected to improve the lighting infrastructure in the capital complex, reduce crime in the area, and benefit Itanagar residents.
Executive Engineer (Itanagar Electrical Division), Joram Lali informed that till now a total of 1672 street lights have been installed across the state, and testing and commissioning of street lights in four districts of Tawang, Seppa, Namsai, and Changlang is expected to be done in mid-April 2023.
He also informed that it can be operated through the mobile app. Through this app, every street light in Arunachal Pradesh can be monitored, and if there is any kind of failure or malfunction, they will be alerted by the app.
The virtual launch took place in presence of MLA cum advisor to the minister of power, Balo Raja, MLA cum state BJP president Biyuram Wahge, MLA Itanagar Techi Kaso, secretary (power) Ajay Kr Bisht, chief engineer (WZ) Bar Takum, superintending engineer (capital) D Taipodia, chief engineer (EZ) Gumdo Doji, chief engineer (TPMZ) Gingko Linggi, director (APEDA) Marbom Bam, executive engineer (IEC) Joram Lali, among others.