Itanagar, July 8 (Reporter) Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday reviewed various power sector schemes and projects in Arunachal Pradesh. The Union Minister chaired the review meeting of the power sector of Arunachal Pradesh in Itanagar which was attended by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy CM Chowna Mein, Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, and State Chief Secretary Dharmendra. During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held in respect of the overall scenario of the power sector in Arunachal Pradesh with special focus on the aspects of hydropower generation, power transmission and distribution sector in the State. Additionally, deliberations were also held in respect of the power sector reforms, the measures to be taken for promoting Ease of Living for the electricity consumers and the resource adequacy plan to be finalised in order to meet the future demand. The State Government also provided its inputs and suggestions during the course of deliberations, official sources said. “Arunachal Pradesh has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to enhancing its power infrastructure, resulting in significant strides in sustainability,” Manohar Lal said in a social media post. “We discussed the status of hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh. Our ongoing projects are making steady progress, and we are committed to overcoming any challenges to expedite their completion. These projects are not only vital for meeting the state's power needs but also for contributing to the national grid and boosting our economy,” Khandu said on his social media handle X after the meeting. In his address, Manohar Lal mentioned that Arunachal Pradesh has about 38% (about 50 GW) of India’s total hydropower potential, the highest among all States. It was discussed that Compensatory Afforestation Land availability is crucial for taking up early development of hydropower projects in the State. It was emphasized to simplify the process for sanction of new connections and the format of electricity bills which may be easily understood by the consumers. Further, the Union Minister suggested for providing options to consumers for self-meter reading once in every 2 months and bill generation through a mobile App. He emphasized that availability of supply of quality power in the State will also facilitate growth in industrial sector which will create opportunities of employment in the State. On the power distribution front, he advised for expeditious implementation of works sanctioned under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). He exhorted for implementing various reform measures prescribed under the scheme for improving the financial viability and operational efficiency of the Power Department. The Power Department was also advised to target improvement in the consumer service rating from ‘C’ to atleast ‘B’ within this year. The Minister sought cooperation from the State in achieving the ambitious goals that are set before the power sector of the country. Khandu thanked the Union Minister for selecting Arunachal Pradesh on his 1st visit to any State after the new Government has been formed. He assured of taking necessary measures/ policy decision to ensure growth of power sector in the State. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein assured full support of the Power Department to CPSEs for different hydro projects in the State. He expressed that with joint efforts of State Government and CPSEs, 13 HEPs will be completed within stipulated timelines. This will contribute about Rs 10,000 crore per annum to the revenues of the State, thereby raising the per capita income to the level of developed States. He suggested for taking all necessary measures for early completion of the prestigious 2000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydro-Electric Project and 2800 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project. Earlier in his welcome address, Secretary (Power) highlighted the rich hydropower potential in the State and the pivotal role that Arunachal Pradesh can play in meeting the growing demand for clean energy. The Secretary (Power) emphasized that “we need to keep working towards the growing energy demand. The interest of the consumer needs to be at the center of our strategy to ensure quality and reliable power at an affordable rate...////...