PM Modi, during a Viksit Bharat Viksit Northeast Program in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, on March 9, 2024, laid the foundation stone for the 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project of NHPC Limited in the Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh.
This event also marked the inauguration, dedication to the nation, and foundation stone laying for various development projects totaling approximately Rs. 55,600 crores in Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh. These projects span a range of sectors, including rail, road, health, housing, education, border infrastructure, IT, power, and oil and gas.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries such as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik; Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu; and Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Chowna Mein. In his address, PM Modi highlighted the commencement of work on the Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh and the Solar Power project in Tripura.
PM Modi emphasized that the Dibang dam would become India’s highest dam, underscoring the significance of these infrastructure developments for the Northeast region. The Dibang project, estimated to cost more than Rs. 31,875 crores, represents a significant infrastructure development in India. Set to become the tallest dam in the country, this project promises multifaceted benefits.
Apart from its primary function of electricity generation, it is expected to play a crucial role in flood control and bring about substantial socio-economic growth in the region. Located near Munli village in the Lower Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh, the Dibang Multipurpose project is designed to have a dam towering 278 meters high, making it the tallest Concrete-Gravity Dam in India.
Its construction will employ the Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) technique, making it the world’s highest RCC Dam. The ambitious plan aims to set a global record by placing more than 5 lakh cubic meters of concrete in just one month. Once operational, the project is expected to generate 11,223 million units of hydropower annually, contributing to the clean energy supply for the Northern Grid.
The construction phase, scheduled to span 108 months, is set to commence in February 2032, potentially providing direct employment to 500 individuals. During its operational phase, the project is expected to offer employment opportunities to around 300 people.
One of the notable aspects of the Dibang Project is its commitment to the local community and environment. It pledges to provide 12% of its power output free of cost and an additional 1% for the Local Area Development Fund, benefiting the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Furthermore, the project is aligned with the goal of achieving Net Zero, contributing to sustainable development.
The project’s design emphasizes energy storage capabilities, with flood control being a key focus alongside power generation. To address flood moderation effectively, the reservoir will be designed to create a capacity of 1,282.60 Million Cubic Meters, ensuring resilience during monsoons.
