The Citizens Right Protection Forum has called for immediate provision of free electricity to families affected by the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, citing an agreement with the state government.
Itanagar, India Jul 29, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 28 Jul: The Citizens Right Protection Forum (CRPF) has demanded immediate provision of free electricity to the NHPC’s Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project [SLHEP]-affected people of Dollungmuk in Kamle district in line with the agreement signed by the project developer and the state government.
The demand for free electricity is rooted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dated 27 January 2010, which was signed between the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and the state government of . This agreement outlines the entitlements of the project-affected families, who are expected to receive benefits as a result of the hydropower project that has transformed the local energy landscape. The MoU is a critical document that not only establishes the operational parameters of the project but also aims to ensure that local communities are compensated for their sacrifices and disruptions caused by the construction and operation of the hydropower facility.
According to the MoU, the state government is entitled to receive 12% of the total power generated by the 2,000 megawatt (MW) project as royalty. Additionally, there is an allocation of 1% of the generated power that is earmarked specifically for the Local Area Development Fund (LADF), which is intended to support the development needs of the communities affected by the project. This fund is crucial for addressing various socio-economic challenges faced by the locals, such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and other essential services that contribute to improving the quality of life in these areas.
CRPF chairman Ajay Murtem emphasized that the NHPC is also obligated to provide 10.75% of the generated power—approximately 215 MW—to the local communities, while Assam is entitled to 1.25% or about 25 MW from the same project. Furthermore, the additional 1% free power, which translates to around 20 MW, is designated for local area development in the project-affected regions. These allocations highlight the importance of ensuring that the benefits of such large-scale projects are equitably distributed among the communities that are directly impacted.
Despite these provisions, Murtem pointed out that many residents in the Dollungmukh area are still struggling to access reliable electricity, despite the commissioning of both 132/33 kV and 33/11 kV substations at Kalaptuker by PowerGrid several years ago. This lack of access raises concerns about the implementation of the MoU and the commitments made by the NHPC and the state government. The inability to provide consistent electricity supply not only hampers daily life but also stifles economic opportunities for the residents, who are eager to engage in various productive activities.
The current electricity requirement of the Dollungmukh area is estimated to be only about 1 MW, which is a relatively small fraction of the total free power entitlement available under the project. This discrepancy highlights the potential for significant improvements in local living conditions if the entitlements were fully realized and effectively managed. The fact that the local demand is so low compared to the available power indicates that the infrastructure and management systems in place may not be functioning optimally, necessitating a reevaluation of how power distribution is handled in the region.
Murtem argued that providing free electricity to the project-affected families would not only fulfill the commitments made under the project agreement and government policy but would also ensure tangible benefits for local communities who have made considerable sacrifices for the project. The residents of Dollungmukh have faced disruptions and challenges due to the project’s construction, and ensuring their access to free electricity is seen as a necessary step towards rectifying these issues. The expectation is that by addressing these fundamental needs, the NHPC and the state government can foster goodwill and support from the local populace, which is crucial for the long-term success of the project.
Moreover, Murtem indicated that the provision of free electricity would meet the power demand for various sectors, including industrial growth, agriculture, horticulture, dairy farming, fisheries, and tea estate development in the Dollungmukh area. These sectors are vital for the economic development of the region and can significantly enhance the livelihoods of local residents. By ensuring that these sectors have access to reliable power, there is an opportunity to stimulate local economies and create jobs, which could lead to a more sustainable and prosperous community.
In light of these considerations, the CRPF urged the Chief Minister to ensure the judicious utilization of the LADF for the welfare and infrastructure development of the project-affected area. Proper allocation of these funds is essential for the sustainable development of the region and can lead to improved living standards for the residents. The effective use of the LADF could also serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges, demonstrating how targeted investments in local development can yield significant benefits.
Furthermore, the forum called upon the Chief Minister to convene a joint meeting involving the state government, the NHPC, and local public representatives. The aim of this meeting would be to work out a comprehensive implementation plan that addresses the pressing needs of the affected communities. It is crucial that all stakeholders collaborate to ensure that the benefits outlined in the MoU are delivered effectively and promptly. Such collaboration could pave the way for more transparent and accountable governance in the management of natural resources and infrastructure projects.
In addition to these demands, the CRPF also sought necessary directions for the immediate energization and extension of power supply to all remaining habitations in the Dollungmukh project-affected areas. This call for action reflects the urgency of the situation, as many households continue to exist without reliable electricity, impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. The lack of electricity not only affects the quality of life but also poses challenges for education, health services, and local businesses, creating a cycle of disadvantage that is difficult to overcome.
The forum expressed hope that the Chief Minister’s intervention would lead to the protection and implementation of the legitimate rights and benefits of the people of Dollungmukh without further delay. The situation underscores the broader implications of hydropower projects in India, particularly in regions that are rich in natural resources but often face challenges related to equitable distribution of benefits and community engagement. The CRPF’s demands reflect a growing awareness and assertion of rights among communities affected by large infrastructure projects, highlighting the need for accountability and responsiveness from both governmental and corporate entities.
The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project is one of the major initiatives aimed at harnessing the hydropower potential of the region, which is abundant in rivers and water resources. However, the success of such projects is not solely measured by the amount of power generated; it also depends on how well the needs and rights of local communities are addressed. The CRPF’s demands reflect a growing awareness and assertion of rights among communities affected by large infrastructure projects, highlighting the need for accountability and responsiveness from both governmental and corporate entities.
As discussions continue regarding the implementation of the MoU and the allocation of free electricity, it remains to be seen how the state government and NHPC will respond to the concerns raised by the CRPF and the affected communities. The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for future hydropower projects in the region, influencing how communities are engaged and compensated for their contributions and sacrifices in the name of development. The implications of this situation extend beyond the immediate concerns of the Dollungmukh community; they touch upon the broader themes of sustainability, social justice, and the ethical responsibilities of corporations and governments in managing natural resources.
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