What is Dibang Multipurpose Project?

March 3, 2023

Dibang Hydropower Project, which was approved by the Central Government recently, is India’s largest-ever hydropower project. This multipurpose project is being set up close to China’s border on the Dibang River, in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley District. Notably, it is being developed in a mountainous region.

Who will implement the Dibang Multipurpose project?

This project will be developed by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited. The estimated cost of this 2,880-megawatt hydropower project is 319 billion INR. It is expected to take 9 years to be completed. It involves the construction of a 278-meter-high Concrete Gravity Dam and various horseshoe-shaped head race tunnels, horseshoe-shaped tailrace tunnels and an underground Power House.

What is Dibang Multipurpose Project?

The project will generate 2,880 MW of hydropower. The main purpose of the project is flood control and also water storage. The Government of Arunachal Pradesh will receive 1346.76 MU of water after completion.

What is the need for Dibang Multipurpose Project?

Dihang, Dibang, and Lohit are the major tributaries of Brahmaputra. Together the rivers flood the northeast region during rainy seasons. The Brahmaputra is called the Sorrow of Assam for its floods and changing direction of flow. Controlling the water flow in Dibang is controlling the water flow in Brahmaputra. The Brahmaputra is mighty and is very challenging to mitigate floods caused by the Brahmaputra.

Where is the Dibang river?

The river originates on the Indo-China border, that is, near Keya pass. It flows through the Mishmi hills. It joins River Lohit near Dibru-Saikhowa Sanctuary. The tributaries of Dibang are Emra, Ithun, Dri, Rangon, Mathun, and Sisar.

Why is Dibang Multipurpose Project in News?

The Government of India recently approved 3.9 billion USD for the project. Also, some Rs. 241 crores is to be spent on community and social development plans and Rs. 327 lakhs on a plan to protect the local culture and identity.

PM Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone of the project in 2008.

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