NHPC to recruit 40 local youths from Arunachal

NHPC Limited- A PSU hydro giant working in Arunachal Pradesh has floated employment notice to recruit 40 indigenous Arunachalee youths in workmen category under their W0 and W4 grades against Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, located in Assam/Arunachal Pradesh, which I presume is in fulfilment to clause of MoU of Subansiri Lower HE Project signed with government of Arunachal Pradesh, recently.

Here are the details of that employment notice:

Employment Notice No. NH/SLP/01/2010 dated 16-03-2010

Post and Vacancy Details:

Sl.No.	Name of the Post, Grade & Scale of Pay	Prescribed qualification & experience	No. of Vacancies
1	Electrician Grade: W4 Pay Scale: 5800-3%-10790 (Pre-revised)	ITI Certificate in Electrician Trade from recognized Institute.	Unreserved-5; ST-3
2	Stenographer Gr-III Grade: W4 Pay Scale: 5800-3%-10790 (pre-revised)	Graduate (under 10+2+3) in any discipline from any recognized university with 80 wpm speed in English/Hindi shorthand and 40 wpm speed for English/Hindi typing. Experience :Two years post experience in relevant field. Computer literacy is essential	Unreserved-4; ST-3
3	Helper Grade: W0 Pay Scale: 3750-2.5%-5450 (Pre-revised)	8th Pass and above.	Unreserved-14; ST-11

The last date for submission of application form is 9^th of April, 2010.

Now I wonder, when the advertisement says the vacancy is purely for indigenous youths of Arunachal, is there any need for reserved and unreserved category in post vacancy?

For those who are interested to know the detail of advertisement, download the scanned copy of advertisement from here. And for those who are interested to apply for the same, download the application format here.

Rambling on recent events of Arunachal

Government takes INR 300 crore loan to pay its' employees arrear

On March 11, Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, in a harried press conference at his official residence, announced with much fanfare that in order to keep his promise to it's employee to pay the balance 15th month arrears by March 2010; the Arunachal Pradesh Government has taken an interest free loan of Rs. 300 crore from Center payable in 20 years.

Well, may be with that move the government was able to provide a 'band-aid' solution to keep it's employees' happy but how do the government plan to pay the monthly salary of 80,000 odd employees in future when it says it does not have it's own resources? Also how do the government plan to repay the interest free loan amount of Rs. 300 Crores? Doesn't government creating liabilities for us? Should we always look upto the Centre with 'begging bowls' instead of thinking ways to create our own resources?

Anti-Dam equals Anti-Arunachal

During the same press conference, Chief Minister dubbed those protesting against dams in Arunachal as an anti-Arunachal. Oh my! with that statement Mr. Khandu stirred the 'hornet's nest'. Plethora of condemnation poured in right from ACR to those protesting against dams against his statement terming - his statement tries to curb the 'freedom of expression and freedom of right to live' and asked him to withdraw the statement. Of which the CM responded by saying that he was 'misquoted'. He assured that he is against any forceful displacement of population to materialize coming up of hydro-projects. Besides, Mr. Khandu stated that majority of the awarded hydro-power projects are RoR (Run-of the-River) scheme projects with no or negligible submergence.

There comes my question, though the same has been put forward by Bamang Tago, ACR Chairman as well. Well CM Sir, would you care to quantify how much submergence is called submergence or is negligible submergence or no submergence at all?

Considering the general layout of any hydro-electric power plant, I assume the hydropower plant requires a pondage for availability of water for generation and for creation of head. So, does RoR scheme Hydro Projects does not require pondage (in other words dams)?

While we are on the topic of dams in Arunachal, let me put some more words on it. Right from small to mega hydro projects, the state government has so far awarded about 100 projects to developers' with around 34000 MW of installed capacity. I wonder if such huge amount of hydro-potential needs to be tapped right now. The government says that it will earn revenue for state from sell of this power. But the question is, whom the state government envisage to sell this power to when it is said that owing to constraint in laying of transmission line in the 'chicken-neck corridor', there is constraint of evacuation of power to other beneficiary states out of North-East. It is said that the present capacity to evacuate power from the existing transmission line is only about 6000 MW. So, is it wise on our Governments part to award hydro-projects right and left without thinking of how to evacuate it? Why don't the government consider tapering tapping of hydro power potential of the state? Atleast it would give some time till the transmission utility company PGCIL overcome the present constraint of evacuating only about 6000 MW of power. And by the time may be people would also understand the merit and demerit of having hydro-power plants better.

AAPSU demands renaming of RGU to Arunachal University

On 18th, AAPSU staged dharna infront of Assembly demanding renaming of Rajiv Gandhi University back to Arunachal University. Though, I too agree that we should have our university named indigenously but, the question is where were the students' body when Arunachal University was re-christened Rajiv Gandhi University in the first place? Had they protested then and there, this situation would not have arrived. On the lighter note, would the government be bold enough to disgrace Gandhi dynasty by scrapping the Gandhi name from University when it has just got sanctioned loan amount of Rs. 300 Crore to pay to it's employees'?

NES demands creation of Department of Nyishi affairs in line of Department of Tirap and Changlang with annual budgetary allocation of Rs. 100 Crores.

I respect the concern of 'Elites' towards socio-economic development of their community and surely the government should look into the matter to develop the rural areas. But then wouldn't this demand sow seed for division of state on the basis of different communities of the state on the ground of development or non-development of their areas? What I feel is, it is not the quantum of amount sanctioned for particular area development but it is how the amount is utilized by the implementing agencies, which is much of siphoned off before it reaches to actual beneficiary. What do you say?

Bandh called against March 27 public hearing of Dibang Multipurpose Project

The public hearing for Dibang Multipurpose Project fixed on March 27 at New Anaya is again being asked for cancellation. This time it’s the organizations from neighbouring Assam that has stepped in demanding for scrapping of Dibang project and hence no public hearing. Demanding cancellation of the public hearing, the Sadiya Mohokma Suraksha Samiti, All Tai Ahom Students Union and various political parties from Sadiya have given a bandh call on March 21. The All Assam Students Union has also extended support to the strike call given. Following the bandh call, the Assam organizations have further declared to intensify its agitation by putting complete ban on vehicular movements towards the state of Arunachal Pradesh into the district of Lower Dibang Valley starting March 23 till the day of public hearing. The decision for the strike and vehicular blockade was taken in a meeting held on March 15 between All Idu Mishmi Students Union and the representatives from the organizations of Assam held in Chapakhowa. The representatives in the meeting have decided to target the NHPC vehicles and to prevent it from entering Arunachal. Besides Assam organizations, the Dibang Valley Students Union led by Anduwa Mihu has also given its clear stand on Dibang Project and reiterated its earlier stand of no dam. The DVSU supporting AIMSU and ICLS call for No Dam has also decided to call for bandh in the Dibang Valley district demanding cancellation of public hearing. The union said that the public hearing fixed few weeks before the parliamentary elections will influence the decision of the local affected people. The people during the election time will be influenced by their political affiliations and hence there will be no true opinion aired during the hearing.

The public hearing for the Dibang project have been so far cancelled for ninth time and besides repeatedly demanding for cancellation of public hearing, AIMSU and ICLS had written earlier to MoEF not to accept application for environmental clearance without the conduct of public hearing. It is evident that neither the govt of Arunachal Pradesh nor the organizations opposing the dams in Dibang basin will concede to their stand on Dibang Multipurpose Project. The community based organizations in Dibang have also called for declaring Dibang Valley as ‘Ecologically sensitive Zone’ which as per the provisions in the Environment Protect Act can put halt to all huge infrastructural projects. Having used all means and strategies in effectively preventing the public consultation process to complete, the ICLS along with AIMSU have come up with a 16 page report to make up a case in invoking the concerns that attracts the provisions under Section 3 sub section (2), clause (v) of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. The Act provides safeguards to ecologically sensitive fragile areas from industries, operations, processes and activities inimical to the conservation and protection of the environment of such areas. The provisions of the act have been used time to time in certain parts of country prohibiting operations of industries and processes.

In a separate statement, AIMSU General Secretary Tone Mickrow has demanded for a college in Roing. The union says that besides the anti dam movement in Dibang, it will also focus on demand for a college. The union puts it that a college is a development project that involves community participation and unlike dam it does not involve any risks. “College can be the best development project that the govt of Arunachal can give to people of Dibang”, said Mickrow. With AIMSU and ICLS demanding to stop the never ending circus of development, the protest in Dibang seems never ending.

-by Veracity

Anti-Dam Movement gears up-IMCLS & AIMSU demands 'No Dam Zone in Dibang Valley'

Anti-Dam movement has geared up in Dibang Valley with Idu Mishmi Cultural and Literary Society (IMCLS) and All Idu Mishmi Students' Union (AIMSU) stating "We don't want project in Dibang Valley and No further public hearing" in response to the notification for public hearing for 3000 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project which is scheduled to be held at New Anaya, Upper Dibang Valley on March, 27^th.

The press release states that coinciding with the 'International Day of Actions against Dams, and for Rivers, Water and Life' on March 14^th, the Idu Mishmi Cultural and Literary Society (IMCLS) and All Idu Mishmi Students' Union (AIMSU) demands declaration of Dibang Valley as Ecologically Sensitive Zone according to the provision under Section 3 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 similar to Aravalli Hills where mining is banned; and in line with that they have demanded banning of construction of Mega Projects such as Dams in the region and to declare Dibang Valley as 'No Dam Zone'.

In an open letter to Prime Minister (reproduced below) they have asked the government to stop the cruel circus of development in the name of national interest of which they have little understanding and which do not evoke interests in them considering the impact it would have on the Idu Mishmi community.

(Click on the image for larger view)

They've further prepared a case for declaring Dibang Valley as 'No Dam Zone' under the provisions of Environment Protection Act, 1986. Find the case here.

Read related story on The Telegraph

Arunachal introduces Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2008

As if to pacify the agitating anti-Dam activists in the state, the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu announced framing of ‘Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2008’ during his independence day speech, which claims to be far more beneficial than that of the national policy. The salient features of the policy are (source Arunachal Front and The Arunachal Times):

1. Ex-gratia grant of Rs. 50,000/- to each affected family rendered landless after acquisition and Rs. 40,000/- to each affected family who are left with land less than one hectare after acquisition.
2. Allotment of agricultural land subject to a maximum of 1 Ha of irrigated land or 2 Ha of un-irrigated land subject to availability of government land in lieu of affected agricultural land and remaining cultivable land will be compensated @ Rs. 1.75 lakhs/Ha.
3. Community shall be compensated @ Rs. 1.56 Lakhs/Ha for loss of customary rights and privileges of tribal people to collect and use forest produce (traditional land use) from unclassed state forests (USF) and @ Rs 0.78 Lakhs/Ha from Reserved Forest Land. In addition to this, the community will be paid a sum equivalent to 25 percent of Net Present Value (NPV) of the USF, as decided by the government of India from time to time, in case of diversion of USF as compensation towards extinction of their traditional rights over USF land use.
4. A plot of 250 m² of land in rural areas or 150 m² of land in urban areas and a free of cost house or one time financial assistance of Rs. 2.50 Lakhs for construction of house to affected family.
5. Basic amenities like safe drinking water supply, drinking water for cattle, one toilet each per 3 affected families, rain water harvesting device, sewage treatment plant including drainage system, domestic lighting, shopping complex including fair price shops, public health centers, community center, school complex with playground, children’s playground, burial/cremation ground, roads etc. shall be provided in the resettlement site for affected families in the event of involuntary displacement.
6. Rs. 1.00 Lakh (minimum) one time livelihood or rehabilitation grant per affected family.
7. Financial assistance of Rs. 20,000/- as a transportation grant to displaced family for transportation of their household goods, cattle etc., to resettlement site.
8. One time financial assistance of Rs. 25,000/- to displaced rural artisan, small trader or self-employed person for re-setting up of their shops in the resettlement site.
9. Scholarship and other skill development opportunities to eligible person/s of the affected family.
10. Free 100 units of electricity per month for 10 years from the date of commissioning of Hydro-Electric Project.
11. 25 % job reservation in managerial/professional post, 50% job reservation in ministerial/clerical post and 25% and 75% job reservation in skilled and unskilled categories respectively in the Hydroelectric Project implementing companies for local tribal people; subject to candidates fulfilling the job requirement.
12. Pension of Rs. 500/- per month for life to vulnerable affected person such as widows, unmarried adult women, all those above 50 years of age without family support.

The framing of RRP-08 is an welcome move by the government for the affected families of mega projects, though it has come all too late after the state government has rampantly signed MoA with various Hydro-power Developers-both Private and PSU's to execute 53 hydroelectric power projects with a total installed capacity of 26,000 MW (Source: Arunachal Front). Considering the fact that rehabilitation and resettlement is an inevitable part of any mega projects, the government should have come up with his policy earlier; when it knew since two decades back that the state had immense hydro-power potential and that one day or the other it has to be tapped.

Now, it has made me wonder, why was it formulated now? Was it formulated to pacify the anti-dam agitators as I expressed in the preceding paras? Or was it to show that 'people's interest' comes first while formulating any development activities as was put forward by CM during his Independence Day Speech.

"Since "People First" is the watchword of my government we cannot jeopardize the life of the people and their means of livelihood by building dams. If affected people do not want dams in their area, we will not have it. But the affected people should not allow themselves to be dictated by outsiders in the name of misplaced environmentalist", the Chief Minister said in his speech.

-The Arunachal Times

But then, why this policy was not thought of prior to rampantly signing of MoA's with various Hydro power developers? Will it be ethical on the part of government to scrap the MoA signed in the event of affected people not wanting dam in their area as put forward by CM? What about sanctity of the Contract? Was it the case of short-sightedness on the part of the government?

Now, it would be interesting to watch how the government plans to introduce this policy in the MoA's already signed without diluting the sanctity of MoA.

Arunachal introduces Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2008

As if to pacify the agitating anti-Dam activists in the state, the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu announced framing of ‘Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2008’ during his independence day speech, which claims to be far more beneficial than that of the national policy. The salient features of the policy are (source Arunachal Front and The Arunachal Times):

1. Ex-gratia grant of Rs. 50,000/- to each affected family rendered landless after acquisition and Rs. 40,000/- to each affected family who are left with land less than one hectare after acquisition.
2. Allotment of agricultural land subject to a maximum of 1 Ha of irrigated land or 2 Ha of un-irrigated land subject to availability of government land in lieu of affected agricultural land and remaining cultivable land will be compensated @ Rs. 1.75 lakhs/Ha.
3. Community shall be compensated @ Rs. 1.56 Lakhs/Ha for loss of customary rights and privileges of tribal people to collect and use forest produce (traditional land use) from unclassed state forests (USF) and @ Rs 0.78 Lakhs/Ha from Reserved Forest Land. In addition to this, the community will be paid a sum equivalent to 25 percent of Net Present Value (NPV) of the USF, as decided by the government of India from time to time, in case of diversion of USF as compensation towards extinction of their traditional rights over USF land use.
4. A plot of 250 m² of land in rural areas or 150 m² of land in urban areas and a free of cost house or one time financial assistance of Rs. 2.50 Lakhs for construction of house to affected family.
5. Basic amenities like safe drinking water supply, drinking water for cattle, one toilet each per 3 affected families, rain water harvesting device, sewage treatment plant including drainage system, domestic lighting, shopping complex including fair price shops, public health centers, community center, school complex with playground, children’s playground, burial/cremation ground, roads etc. shall be provided in the resettlement site for affected families in the event of involuntary displacement.
6. Rs. 1.00 Lakh (minimum) one time livelihood or rehabilitation grant per affected family.
7. Financial assistance of Rs. 20,000/- as a transportation grant to displaced family for transportation of their household goods, cattle etc., to resettlement site.
8. One time financial assistance of Rs. 25,000/- to displaced rural artisan, small trader or self-employed person for re-setting up of their shops in the resettlement site.
9. Scholarship and other skill development opportunities to eligible person/s of the affected family.
10. Free 100 units of electricity per month for 10 years from the date of commissioning of Hydro-Electric Project.
11. 25 % job reservation in managerial/professional post, 50% job reservation in ministerial/clerical post and 25% and 75% job reservation in skilled and unskilled categories respectively in the Hydroelectric Project implementing companies for local tribal people; subject to candidates fulfilling the job requirement.
12. Pension of Rs. 500/- per month for life to vulnerable affected person such as widows, unmarried adult women, all those above 50 years of age without family support.

The framing of RRP-08 is an welcome move by the government for the affected families of mega projects, though it has come all too late after the state government has rampantly signed MoA with various Hydro-power Developers-both Private and PSU's to execute 53 hydroelectric power projects with a total installed capacity of 26,000 MW (Source: Arunachal Front). Considering the fact that rehabilitation and resettlement is an inevitable part of any mega projects, the government should have come up with his policy earlier; when it knew since two decades back that the state had immense hydro-power potential and that one day or the other it has to be tapped.

Now, it has made me wonder, why was it formulated now? Was it formulated to pacify the anti-dam agitators as I expressed in the preceding paras? Or was it to show that 'people's interest' comes first while formulating any development activities as was put forward by CM during his Independence Day Speech.

"Since "People First" is the watchword of my government we cannot jeopardize the life of the people and their means of livelihood by building dams. If affected people do not want dams in their area, we will not have it. But the affected people should not allow themselves to be dictated by outsiders in the name of misplaced environmentalist", the Chief Minister said in his speech.

-The Arunachal Times

But then, why this policy was not thought of prior to rampantly signing of MoA's with various Hydro power developers? Will it be ethical on the part of government to scrap the MoA signed in the event of affected people not wanting dam in their area as put forward by CM? What about sanctity of the Contract? Was it the case of short-sightedness on the part of the government?

Now, it would be interesting to watch how the government plans to introduce this policy in the MoA's already signed without diluting the sanctity of MoA.

Arunachal Pradesh Small Hydro Power Policy-2007

The State Government has promulgated a new hydro policy called Small Hydro Power Policy-2007, to develop around 2000 MW of hydro power from small hydro projects to be built by private developers under Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis. Under this policy, hydro power projects of capacity ranging from 1kW to 25 MW would be taken up. Some of the salient features of this policy are:

Processing fee: No processing fee would be required for projects between 1kW to 1MW. However, for projects above 1 MW but below 5 MW an amount of INR 25,000/- would be charged as processing fee. INR 30,000/- would be charged for projects from 5 MW to 10 MW whereas for projects above 10 MW and upto 25 MW the processing fee would be INR 50,000/-

Free Power: Those private developers undertaking the projects under this policy has to provide ‘free power’ to the state at the rate of 5 percent for projects from 1 kW to 5 MW and at the rate of 8 percent for projects between 5 MW to 25 MW. However, the local developers are exempted from this free power to the state for projects up to 5MW. There would be concession on free power for 3 years for project between 1 kW to 5 MW, 2 years for projects from 5 MW to 10 MW and 1 year for project above 10 MW.

Transmission Lines: The developers has to lay it’s own transmission line to feed the state grid from their power house.

Revenue: Revenue would be collected by the developers from the villagers where their power is fed.

Selection of Developer’s: Through a 'single window' selection system with high level selection committee constituted by the state government. After 30 days of selection of the developer, MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) has to be entered into by the developer and the state government.

Reservation Policy: There would be reservation for local developers as per the prescribed norms of the MoU’s signed earlier on Mega Projects. [????]

No doubt, as the government puts it, the promulgation of Small Hydro Power Policy-2007 would facilitate employment and business opportunities for local developers but the question that comes to mind is-why at this stage? When so many mega projects have been awarded to PSU's and IPP's and when the 12 percent free power that the state would get from these mega projects would be more than sufficient for the total power requirement of the state; what's the need for going for development of small hydro projects? Is it because of the Environmental Concerns or there are other reasons? The Government spokesperson Tako Dabi says in this regard-

"The policy was needed as the state government was unable to provide power from mega projects to remote villages."

But 'Why'? Why can't power be provided from the Mega Projects to remote villages? Is it because that necessary infrastructure has not been laid to bring power to the villages? Then what about RGGVY (Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyitikaran Yojana) scheme under which each and every villages has to be electrified by the year 2010? Where has the money that state gets as a 90% grant under RGGVY (Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikarn Yojana) scheme to lay necessary infrastructure to get the villages electrified, gone?

And if there is no proper transmission and distribution network how could development of small hydro projects help in electrifying the villages? (The Small Hydro Power Policy doesn't mention if one has to lay the distribution network also, apart from transmission line to be connected to state grid. )

Nevertheless, this policy has opened up opportunity for unemployed local engineers to become an entrepreneur and be part of state development; provided the government is true to it's policy of 'single window clearance system'.

Related readings:

Hydroelectricity at Arunachal Pradesh-I
12 pc free power...Is it really free?

Arunachal Pradesh Small Hydro Power Policy-2007

The State Government has promulgated a new hydro policy called Small Hydro Power Policy-2007, to develop around 2000 MW of hydro power from small hydro projects to be built by private developers under Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis. Under this policy, hydro power projects of capacity ranging from 1kW to 25 MW would be taken up. Some of the salient features of this policy are:

Processing fee: No processing fee would be required for projects between 1kW to 1MW. However, for projects above 1 MW but below 5 MW an amount of INR 25,000/- would be charged as processing fee. INR 30,000/- would be charged for projects from 5 MW to 10 MW whereas for projects above 10 MW and upto 25 MW the processing fee would be INR 50,000/-

Free Power: Those private developers undertaking the projects under this policy has to provide ‘free power’ to the state at the rate of 5 percent for projects from 1 kW to 5 MW and at the rate of 8 percent for projects between 5 MW to 25 MW. However, the local developers are exempted from this free power to the state for projects up to 5MW. There would be concession on free power for 3 years for project between 1 kW to 5 MW, 2 years for projects from 5 MW to 10 MW and 1 year for project above 10 MW.

Transmission Lines: The developers has to lay it’s own transmission line to feed the state grid from their power house.

Revenue: Revenue would be collected by the developers from the villagers where their power is fed.

Selection of Developer’s: Through a 'single window' selection system with high level selection committee constituted by the state government. After 30 days of selection of the developer, MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) has to be entered into by the developer and the state government.

Reservation Policy: There would be reservation for local developers as per the prescribed norms of the MoU’s signed earlier on Mega Projects. [????]

No doubt, as the government puts it, the promulgation of Small Hydro Power Policy-2007 would facilitate employment and business opportunities for local developers but the question that comes to mind is-why at this stage? When so many mega projects have been awarded to PSU's and IPP's and when the 12 percent free power that the state would get from these mega projects would be more than sufficient for the total power requirement of the state; what's the need for going for development of small hydro projects? Is it because of the Environmental Concerns or there are other reasons? The Government spokesperson Tako Dabi says in this regard-

"The policy was needed as the state government was unable to provide power from mega projects to remote villages."

But 'Why'? Why can't power be provided from the Mega Projects to remote villages? Is it because that necessary infrastructure has not been laid to bring power to the villages? Then what about RGGVY (Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyitikaran Yojana) scheme under which each and every villages has to be electrified by the year 2010? Where has the money that state gets as a 90% grant under RGGVY (Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikarn Yojana) scheme to lay necessary infrastructure to get the villages electrified, gone?

And if there is no proper transmission and distribution network how could development of small hydro projects help in electrifying the villages? (The Small Hydro Power Policy doesn't mention if one has to lay the distribution network also, apart from transmission line to be connected to state grid. )

Nevertheless, this policy has opened up opportunity for unemployed local engineers to become an entrepreneur and be part of state development; provided the government is true to it's policy of 'single window clearance system'.

Related readings:

Hydroelectricity at Arunachal Pradesh-I
12 pc free power...Is it really free?

12 pc free power... Is it really free?

this is in continuation to my earlier post titled "Hydroelectricity at Arunachal Pradesh-I"

"Apang seeks more than 12% free power from center"-The Arunachal Times dated 22-09-2006, citing the free power to the tune of 19% that has been promised by Independant Power Producers (IPP) - the request though, was politely turned down by Power Ministry citing Central Government Norms. Now let's see what does this Central Government Norms says.

According to to this norm 12% of the hydro power generated in a state is to be provided free to the host government. In case of projects having unviable tariffs in the initial years, the 12% free power to the home state can be staggered in a manner such that it is kept low in the initial years and higher in the latter years so as to average 12% over the life of the project.

Now as per the norms, the Center couldn't have provided free power more than 12 % as sought by the Chief Minister. But, is it really a free power?

I had been told that this 12% free power given to the host government where hydro-electric project is developed, is actually a water royalty - water being state subject. Now, what's Royalty? According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary Royalty is ~

1. a right or perquisite of a sovereign (as a percentage paid to the crown of gold or silver taken from mines)
2. a share of the product or profit reserved by the grantor especially of an oil or mining lease.
3. a payment to an author or composer for each copy of a work sold or to an inventor for each item sold under a patent.

If we go by the definition, this 12% power should have been right/share of the state as it is the percentage that has to be paid to the State Government in lieu of profit made out of utilisation of water resource (read mine in the definition) of the State.

If it is the case, then where is the question of free power being given to the state? Isn't it a misnomer? Is the term "free" technically correct? Shouldn't we use the term 'power share of the state' instead of 'free power to the state'?

12 pc free power... Is it really free?

this is in continuation to my earlier post titled "Hydroelectricity at Arunachal Pradesh-I"

"Apang seeks more than 12% free power from center"-The Arunachal Times dated 22-09-2006, citing the free power to the tune of 19% that has been promised by Independant Power Producers (IPP) - the request though, was politely turned down by Power Ministry citing Central Government Norms. Now let's see what does this Central Government Norms says.

According to to this norm 12% of the hydro power generated in a state is to be provided free to the host government. In case of projects having unviable tariffs in the initial years, the 12% free power to the home state can be staggered in a manner such that it is kept low in the initial years and higher in the latter years so as to average 12% over the life of the project.

Now as per the norms, the Center couldn't have provided free power more than 12 % as sought by the Chief Minister. But, is it really a free power?

I had been told that this 12% free power given to the host government where hydro-electric project is developed, is actually a water royalty - water being state subject. Now, what's Royalty? According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary Royalty is ~

1. a right or perquisite of a sovereign (as a percentage paid to the crown of gold or silver taken from mines)
2. a share of the product or profit reserved by the grantor especially of an oil or mining lease.
3. a payment to an author or composer for each copy of a work sold or to an inventor for each item sold under a patent.

If we go by the definition, this 12% power should have been right/share of the state as it is the percentage that has to be paid to the State Government in lieu of profit made out of utilisation of water resource (read mine in the definition) of the State.

If it is the case, then where is the question of free power being given to the state? Isn't it a misnomer? Is the term "free" technically correct? Shouldn't we use the term 'power share of the state' instead of 'free power to the state'?

Hydroelectricity at Arunachal Pradesh - I

Arunachal Pradesh is bestowed with huge hydroelectric potential and is speculated to become the 'Power House' of the country if this hydroelectric potential is tapped.

The identified hydroelectric capacity in respect of Arunachal Pradesh as per re-assessment study as on 30-04-2006 comes to 50,328 MW (source: -CEA Central Electricity Authority) and so far only about 0.8% of this capacity has been tapped owing to the difficult geographical terrain and inaccessability of possible project sites.

In a landmark move towards making this state Power House of India, the State Government on 21st of September, entered into MoA (Memorandum of Agreement) with CPSU power giants viz., N.H.P.C Ltd., N.T.P.C. Ltd. and NEEPCO Ltd., for harnessing 10,230 MW of hydroelectricity capacity out of the CEA estimated hydroelectricity capacity of 50,238 MW. These power giants would pump in around Rs. 42,242.66/- Crs. (estimated project cost) to harness this 10,230 MW of hydro power. Listed below are projects for which MoA has been entered into: -

I. Tawang - I Hydro Electric Project
i. Installed Capacity : 750 MW
ii. Annual Energy Generation (in MU) : 3156.10
iii. Location : Tawang District
iv. Implementing Agency : National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (N.H.P.C)
v. Basis of Funding : BOO (Build, Own and Operate)

II. Tawang - II Hydro Electric Project
i. Installed Capacity : 750 MW
ii. Annual Energy Generation (in MU) : 3480.40
iii. Location : Tawang District
iv. Implementing Agency : N.H.P.C
v. Basis of Funding : BOO (Build, Own and Operate)

III. Dibang Multipurpose Project
i. Installed Capacity : 3000 MW
ii. Annual Energy Generation (in MU): 12270
iii. Location: Lower Dibang Valley District
iv. Implementing Agency: NHPC Ltd.
v. Basis of Funding: A Joint venture between Government of Arunachal Pradesh and NHPC Ltd.

IV. Kameng - I (Bharali - I) Hydroelectric Project
i.Installed Capacity : 1120 MW
ii.Annual Energy Generation (in MU): 4112.40
iii.Location: East Kameng District
iv.Implementing Agency: North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO)
v.Basis of Funding: BOO

V.Pare Hydroelectric Project
i.Installed Capacity : 110 MW
ii.Annual Energy Generation (in MU): 491.74
iii.Location : Papum Pare District
iv.Implementing Agency: NEEPCO
v.Basis of Funding : BOO

VI. Etalin Hydro Electric Project
i. Installed Capacity: 4000 MW
ii. Annual Energy Generation (in MU): 16071.60
iii. Location : Dibang Valley District
iv. Implementing Agency: National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd. (NTPC)
v. Basis of Funding: BOO

VII. Atunli Hydro Electric Project
i. Installed Capacity : 500 MW
ii. Annual Energy Generation (in MU) : 2247.32
iii. Location : Dibang Valley District
iv. Implementing Agency : NTPC
v. Basis of Funding: BOO

These Hydroelectric Projects would be constructed taking all the environmental safeguards in accordance with the conditions of Ministry of Environment and Forests besides making additional inve
stments by way of Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) etc. for control of soil erosion as declared by the Ministry of Power in a press release on 22-09-2006. The main highlight of the MoA was the creation of Local Area Development Trust (LADT) to take up development activities for the people of affected areas. Besides, 12 pc of free power the state will accrue from these projects, the projects would contribute 1 paise per unit of electricity generated to the trust (LADT).

With the signing of MoA, it is being said that the state is ushering into an era of progress and prosperity (....to be seen later).

As in any mega projects, there was mixed reaction from the populations of the state - some welcoming the move and some having reservations about these Mega Projects fearing it would dilute the socio-economic and socio-cultural identity of the region (the points to be discussed later).

Hydroelectricity at Arunachal Pradesh - I

Arunachal Pradesh is bestowed with huge hydroelectric potential and is speculated to become the 'Power House' of the country if this hydroelectric potential is tapped.

The identified hydroelectric capacity in respect of Arunachal Pradesh as per re-assessment study as on 30-04-2006 comes to 50,328 MW (source: -CEA Central Electricity Authority) and so far only about 0.8% of this capacity has been tapped owing to the difficult geographical terrain and inaccessability of possible project sites.

In a landmark move towards making this state Power House of India, the State Government on 21st of September, entered into MoA (Memorandum of Agreement) with CPSU power giants viz., N.H.P.C Ltd., N.T.P.C. Ltd. and NEEPCO Ltd., for harnessing 10,230 MW of hydroelectricity capacity out of the CEA estimated hydroelectricity capacity of 50,238 MW. These power giants would pump in around Rs. 42,242.66/- Crs. (estimated project cost) to harness this 10,230 MW of hydro power. Listed below are projects for which MoA has been entered into: -

I. Tawang - I Hydro Electric Project
i. Installed Capacity : 750 MW
ii. Annual Energy Generation (in MU) : 3156.10
iii. Location : Tawang District
iv. Implementing Agency : National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (N.H.P.C)
v. Basis of Funding : BOO (Build, Own and Operate)

II. Tawang - II Hydro Electric Project
i. Installed Capacity : 750 MW
ii. Annual Energy Generation (in MU) : 3480.40
iii. Location : Tawang District
iv. Implementing Agency : N.H.P.C
v. Basis of Funding : BOO (Build, Own and Operate)

III. Dibang Multipurpose Project
i. Installed Capacity : 3000 MW
ii. Annual Energy Generation (in MU): 12270
iii. Location: Lower Dibang Valley District
iv. Implementing Agency: NHPC Ltd.
v. Basis of Funding: A Joint venture between Government of Arunachal Pradesh and NHPC Ltd.

IV. Kameng - I (Bharali - I) Hydroelectric Project
i.Installed Capacity : 1120 MW
ii.Annual Energy Generation (in MU): 4112.40
iii.Location: East Kameng District
iv.Implementing Agency: North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO)
v.Basis of Funding: BOO

V.Pare Hydroelectric Project
i.Installed Capacity : 110 MW
ii.Annual Energy Generation (in MU): 491.74
iii.Location : Papum Pare District
iv.Implementing Agency: NEEPCO
v.Basis of Funding : BOO

VI. Etalin Hydro Electric Project
i. Installed Capacity: 4000 MW
ii. Annual Energy Generation (in MU): 16071.60
iii. Location : Dibang Valley District
iv. Implementing Agency: National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd. (NTPC)
v. Basis of Funding: BOO

VII. Atunli Hydro Electric Project
i. Installed Capacity : 500 MW
ii. Annual Energy Generation (in MU) : 2247.32
iii. Location : Dibang Valley District
iv. Implementing Agency : NTPC
v. Basis of Funding: BOO

These Hydroelectric Projects would be constructed taking all the environmental safeguards in accordance with the conditions of Ministry of Environment and Forests besides making additional investments by way of Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) etc. for control of soil erosion as declared by the Ministry of Power in a press release on 22-09-2006. The main highlight of the MoA was the creation of Local Area Development Trust (LADT) to take up development activities for the people of affected areas. Besides, 12 pc of free power the state will accrue from these projects, the projects would contribute 1 paise per unit of electricity generated to the trust (LADT).

With the signing of MoA, it is being said that the state is ushering into an era of progress and prosperity (....to be seen later).

As in any mega projects, there was mixed reaction from the populations of the state - some welcoming the move and some having reservations about these Mega Projects fearing it would dilute the socio-economic and socio-cultural identity of the region (the points to be discussed later).