(a) the details of the hydro-electric power projects established/being established and proposed to be established in North Eastern States;
(b) whether the Government has been able to tap the hydro electric power potential of these States;
(c) if not, the measures taken in this regard;
(d) whether there has been any delay in the establishment of such projects; and
(e) if so, the details and reasons therefor along with action taken in this regard including loss suffered from the projects?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER,
COAL AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY
( SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL )
(a) & (b) : Based on the re-assessment of hydro-electric potential of the country, carried out by Central Electricity Authority in 1987, identified hydropower potential in North Eastern Region (NER) is 62604 MW (above 25 MW). Out of this, 1911 MW is in operation in North Eastern States. The details of Hydro Power Projects in NER is given at Annex.
(c) to (e): Difficult/in-accessible potential sites, geological surprises, longer gestation period, natural calamities, environment & forest clearances, land acquisition problems, inter-State aspects, resettlement & rehabilitation problems, law & order problems etc. are the main reasons of delay.
Apart from various policy initiatives, as enshrined in the National Electricity Policy, National Hydro Policy, National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy and National Tariff Policy, the Government of India and CEA regularly monitor the implementation of hydro projects including site visits, interaction with developers and expediting various clearances, etc. An independent Power Project Monitoring Panel (PPMP) has also been set up to follow up the progress of hydro projects regularly.
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