In a move with profound strategic and environmental implications, the Government of India has launched a ₹6.4 lakh crore hydropower project plan to tap the massive potential of the Brahmaputra River basin.
The plan, unveiled by the Ministry of Power, envisions developing over 76 GW of clean energy capacity by 2047, across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and neighboring states.
Officials say this initiative is also aimed at countering China’s aggressive upstream dam construction on the Yarlung Tsangpo (the Chinese name for Brahmaputra).
“We will not allow our ecological and strategic interests to be compromised,” said Union Power Minister R. K. Singh. “This plan will ensure long-term energy independence for India’s Northeast.”
The new projects include the Dibang Multipurpose Project, Subansiri Lower Project, and several others that will integrate flood control, irrigation, and electricity generation.
Geopolitical Angle:
Experts describe the initiative as a dual-purpose plan — ensuring energy security while asserting hydrological sovereignty in a region of increasing strategic competition with China.
Environmental groups, however, have raised concerns over potential ecological damage. The ministry reassured that all projects will undergo strict environmental assessments and feature sustainable engineering practices.
