Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening power infrastructure in the state and in Sikkim, emphasizing ongoing projects under the Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening of Transmission and Distribution System (CCST&DS). The initiative, implemented by the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), aims to enhance connectivity and resolve power shortages in key regions.
Responding to a query from NPP legislator Thangwang Wangham during an Assembly session, Mein detailed significant developments in the project, including the establishment of a 132 KV transmission line from Khonsa in Tirap district to Longding district and a 33 KV transmission line from Kanubari to Longding. He noted that work on the tower foundations for the 132 KV transmission line is underway, with eight out of the 78 planned towers already completed.
The Deputy CM, who also holds the Power and Hydro-Power portfolios, informed the Assembly that the project steering committee had approved the implementation of the 33 KV Longding-Kanubari transmission line through the state power department. He further stated that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the department and PGCIL is currently in progress, paving the way for expedited execution.
Addressing Wangham’s concerns about the lack of power supply in the insurgency-affected Longding district, Mein acknowledged initial setbacks, including delays due to forest clearance, working permissions from the environment, forest, and climate change department, and compensation assessments. However, he assured that both the state power department and PGCIL are making concerted efforts to overcome these challenges, with a target completion date set for March next year.
Mein emphasized that the project is being closely monitored at both the state and central levels to ensure timely execution. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing reliable power supply to even the most remote regions, stating that improved infrastructure would significantly contribute to economic growth, security, and development in Arunachal Pradesh.