India's PM Narendra Modi lays foundation stone for 2880MW Dibang multipurpose hydroelectric project
12 March 2024
Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony for the NHPC's 2880MW Dibang Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh.
The event, held on March 9th, 2024, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, was attended by dignitaries including Lt. Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, the Honorable Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, the Honorable Chief Minister, and Shri Chowna Mein, the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.
Located near the village of Munli in the Lower Dibang Valley District, Arunachal Pradesh, the Dibang Multipurpose project will feature a 278m-high dam, which upon completion will stand as India's tallest Concrete Gravity Dam. Utilizing advanced construction techniques such as Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC), the dam is also set to become the world's highest RCC dam.
The primary objective of the Dibang Dam is to harness clean and green energy, contributing significantly to the Northern Grid. Once operational, the project is estimated to generate 11223 Million Units (MU) of hydropower annually. With a construction timeline spanning 108 months, the project is slated for commissioning in February 2032.
Employment opportunities are also expected to burgeon with the project, providing direct employment to 500 individuals during the construction phase and 300 during operation. Additionally, indirect employment opportunities are forecasted to benefit around 5000 people during construction and 500 during operation.
In a bid to foster local development, the project pledges 12% Free Power and an additional 1% for the Local Area Development Fund, aiming to bolster the state's progress while aligning with national objectives towards achieving Net Zero targets.
The Dibang Multipurpose Project is not solely focused on power generation; it also prioritizes flood moderation as a crucial aspect of its design. With a reservoir capacity of 1282.60 million m3, strategic measures will be implemented to mitigate flood risks, ensuring the project's multifaceted impact on the region.
