Centre greenlights hydro projects worth Rs 3,689 crore, launches Rs 2,481-crore National Mission on natural farming

The Centre sanctioned two hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh with a combined investment of Rs 3,689 crore, and unveiled the National Mission on Natural Farming with a Rs 2,481 crore budget

By: Express Web Desk
New Delhi | Updated: November 25, 2024 10:42 PM IST

2 min read

The projects will be implemented through joint venture companies formed between the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. (PTI)

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday approved two major initiatives: the construction of two hydropower projects worth Rs 3,689 crore in Arunachal Pradesh and the launch of the Rs 2,481 crore National Mission on Natural Farming.

Hydropower Projects in Arunachal Pradesh

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the CCEA has sanctioned Rs 1,750 crore for the 186 MW Tato-I Hydro Electric Project and Rs 1,939 crore for the 240 MW Heo Hydro Electric Project in Shi Yomi District, Arunachal Pradesh. These projects will improve the state’s power supply and contribute to balancing the national grid.

The projects will be implemented through joint venture companies formed between the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The central government will provide budgetary support of Rs 77.37 crore for roads, bridges, and associated transmission lines for the Tato-I project, along with Rs120.43 crore as Central Financial Assistance towards the state’s equity share. For the Heo project, Rs 127.28 crore will be allocated for infrastructure, and Rs130.43 crore for equity support.

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Arunachal Pradesh will benefit from 12% free power, an additional 1% allocated for the Local Area Development Fund (LADF), and significant socio-economic improvements. Dedicated project funds of Rs 15 crore will be used for the construction of essential infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, ITIs, marketplaces, and playgrounds in the district.

National Mission on natural farming

In a separate decision, the Cabinet approved the National Mission on Natural Farming, aiming to promote sustainable farming practices among one crore farmers across the country. With a budget outlay of ₹2,481 crore, the mission seeks to create an ecosystem for chemical-free farming, improve soil health, and ensure healthier food for consumers.

“Natural farming is a path-breaking decision to maintain soil quality and public health,” said Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the media briefing. The mission builds on successful experiments conducted in 2019–20 and 2022–23.

Currently, 10 lakh hectares are under natural farming across India, and the mission will significantly expand this initiative on a mission mode.

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