The fourth unit of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project is nearing completion.

About the Project

• The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP) is a major hydropower project located on the Subansiri River, the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
• It is being developed by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation.
• Situated in Gerukamukh along the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Features

• Total installed capacity: 2,000 megawatts
• Current status:
  • 4th unit under trial
  • 1,000 megawatts generation expected soon
  • Full capacity targeted by March 2027
• Includes a 116-metre-high concrete gravity dam, the largest dam in North-East India. 
  • This will be the first cascaded dam on the Subansiri River.
• Type: Run-of-the-river project (minimal water storage, environmentally relatively less disruptive).

Objectives

• To enhance renewable energy capacity in India.
• To ensure energy security in Northeast India.
• To promote regional development and infrastructure growth.

Significance

• One of the largest hydropower projects in India.
• Critical for clean energy transition, allocate 1,000 MW to the North-East.
• Supports grid stability and peak power demand.
• Strategically important for water management, flood control, and energy security in the North-East.  
• Supply power to 16 beneficiary states, provide free power to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Associated Projects in Region

• Dibang Multipurpose Project (2,880 megawatts) – under construction.
• Subansiri Middle Project (1,720 megawatts) – approved.
• Lohit Hydropower Project (1,200 megawatts) – planned near India–China border.

Exam Hook 

Q. The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project is located on which river?
(a) Teesta
(b) Subansiri
(c) Lohit
(d) Dibang

Answer: (b)

One-line wrap: Subansiri project is a flagship hydropower initiative driving clean energy and development in Northeast India.

SOURCE