Kalai-II Hydro Project: 1200 MW Plant on Lohit River
Why in the news
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs cleared a large hydropower scheme in India’s far Northeast. The plan taps the region’s hydro potential and adds to grid strength.
Key facts
- Location: Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh, on the Lohit River, a major Brahmaputra tributary.
- Investment: above ₹14,000 crore; approved by the CCEA.
- Type: run-of-the-river project.
- Developer: joint venture of THDC India Limited and the Arunachal Pradesh government.
- Centre’s support: ₹750 crore for the state’s equity share and 29 km of access roads and bridges.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Installed capacity | 1200 MW |
| Units | 7 (six of 190 MW and one of 60 MW) |
| Yearly output | 4852.95 MU |
Background
- The Lohit enters India from Tibet and runs through steep, narrow gorges.
- Steep terrain gives a large head (vertical drop), giving high pressure to turn turbines.
- Glacier melt and monsoon rain provide steady, high water volume.
Significance
- Hydropower can be started and stopped faster than coal or nuclear plants, helping with peak-hour demand.
- New roads improve connectivity for local tribal communities.
Exam angle
- River: Lohit; district: Anjaw; capacity: 1200 MW; developer: THDC India Ltd.
- Related terms: run-of-the-river, CCEA, head, peak load.