Question : HYDRO POWER GENERATION

(a) whether the entire North Eastern Region including Arunachal Pradesh has a high potential of hydro power generation;

(b) if so, the details of the existing potential along with the percentage of total hydro potential being exploited for generation of electricity in the region at present, project-wise and State-wise;

(c) the total number of hydro power projects proposed to be constructed in the region including Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, project-wise and State- wise;

(d) whether the Union Government proposes to re-apprise some of the projects which are under construction/implementation in the region, which is known as a high risk seismic zone;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether the State Government of Assam has sent any report to the Union Government regarding construction of these projects; and

(g) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Union Government thereon?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER(SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI)

(a) & (b) : The entire North Eastern Region including Arunachal Pradesh has a high potential for hydro power generation. Based on the studies for re- assessment of hydro-electric potential of the country, completed by Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in 1987, identified hydropower potential in North East Region & Sikkim has been estimated as 63257 MW (62604 MW in respect of schemes with capacity 25 MW & above) which includes 50328 MW (50064 MW in respect of schemes with capacity 25 MW & above) in Arunachal Pradesh. The State-wise break-up of hydro electric potential in North East Region including Sikkim along with the percentage of total hydro potential being exploited for generation of electricity in the region is given at Annex-I. The state-wise list of hydro electric projects (above 25 MW capacity) presently in operation is given at Annex-II.

(c) : 11 Hydro Electric projects (above 25 MW capacity) with an aggregate capacity of 4942 MW are presently under construction in North Eastern Region & Sikkim. In addition Detailed Project Reports (DPRs)of 8 projects have been concurred by CEA but these are yet to be taken up for construction. DPRs of 7 projects are under examination in CEA. Details of these projects are at Annex-III.

(d) & (e) : There is no proposal to re-appraise any hydro electric project under construction in the region in view of the high seismic nature of the region. However, since the entire Himalayas lies in Seismic Zone-V, extensive studies & investigation on this aspect are carried out by the concerned project proponents before the hydro projects are taken up for implementation. CEA, before according the concurrence, examines various technical aspects including the dam safety and design of various structures in consultation with Central Water Commission (CWC) and Geological Survey of India (GSI). The site specific seismic studies are also carried out and put up to the National Committee on Seismic Design Parameters for their recommendations on seismic design parameters for detailed design of different components of the project

(f) & (g) : The Government of Assam have forwarded a copy each of the following two Reports in July, 2010:

i) Report on Downstream Impact Study of the ongoing Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Power Project submitted by the Expert Group from Guwahati University, IIT Guwahati and Dibrugarh University.

ii) Report of the House Committee of the Assam Legislative Assembly constituted to examine the impact on the downstream areas of the rivers in the State of Assam due to the construction of Big Dams in upper reaches of Brahmaputra water system located in neighboring state of Arunachal Pradesh.

These reports are under examination.