Parliament Question: Progress on Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2701 ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026 PROGRESS ON SUBANSIRI LOWER HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT 2701 # SMT. MAYA NAROLIYA: Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state: (a) the significance of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project and the impact of the commercial operation of unit-2 on renewable energy generation and grid stability; (b) the timeline for commissioning of the remaining units and the estimated total installed capacity upon completion of the project; (c) the measures taken by Government to ensure environmental sustainability, river basin management and safety during the commissioning and operation of the project; and (d) the steps being taken to benefit the local communities and stakeholders of the Subansiri river basin through the project, in terms of employment generation, local development and improved electricity access? A N S W E R THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER (SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK) (a) & (b): The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (HEP), located on the Subansiri River at the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, with a total installed capacity of 2000 MW (eight units of 250 MW each), is being implemented by NHPC Limited. Out of the eight units, two units have been commissioned and the power generated is being supplied to the beneficiaries of this project. The remaining units are planned to be commissioned in a phased manner till Dec’26. Upon completion, the project is expected to generate about 7,422 Million Units (MU) of electricity annually, thereby contributing significantly to the country’s renewable energy generation. The project is also envisaged to provide flood moderation benefits in the Brahmaputra Valley besides supporting grid stability by balancing intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, as well as by providing peaking power support to the national grid. (c): The Subansiri Lower HEP has been accorded statutory clearances relating to Environment and Forest by the concerned authorities. In addition, the riverbank protection and erosion control measures have been implemented by NHPC Limited in the downstream of the project. Further, the dam safety aspects are being ensured in accordance with the provisions of the Dam Safety Act, 2021 under the guidance and recommendations of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). (d): The various initiatives have been taken by NHPC Limited to benefit the local communities and stakeholders of the project. During the construction stage, employment opportunities have been provided to about 7,000 local workers. NHPC Limited is also implementing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in sectors such as education, skill development, health, sanitation and rural development for the benefit of local communities. In addition, NHPC has implemented various livelihood programmes benefiting about 5,000 women. The project has also contributed to development of local infrastructure, including roads & bridges, thereby improving connectivity for nearby villages. *******