PIB clears 1,720 MW Kamala hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh
Author: PPD Team Date: January 9, 2026
The Public Investment Board (PIB) has approved the 1,720 MW Kamala Hydroelectric Project to be developed in Arunachal Pradesh. The project is located on the Kamala River, a tributary of the Subansiri River, across Kamle, Kra Daadi, and Kurung Kumey districts.
The project involves the construction of a 216 m high concrete gravity dam and an underground powerhouse. The scheduled completion period is 96 months. Once commissioned, it is expected to generate 6,869.92 million units (MU) of electricity annually. The total project cost at current prices is Rs 26,069.50 crore.
Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, described the approval as a major milestone for the state and India’s clean energy transition. He said the flood moderation component would provide downstream benefits to the Brahmaputra Valley by improving climate resilience and disaster management.
The project will be jointly implemented by NHPC Limited and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh (GOAP). A Memorandum of Agreement was signed on 12 August 2023 for development, commissioning, operation, and maintenance on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis for 40 years from the commercial operation date.
The scheme was originally allotted to Kamala Hydro Electric Power Company Limited, a joint venture of Jindal Power Ltd and Hydro Power Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh Ltd. The Ministry of Power reassigned the project to NHPC through a letter dated 22 December 2021. GOAP issued a No Objection Certificate on 28 June 2023 and approved the allotment to NHPC on 21 July 2023.
The Expert Appraisal Committee recommended Terms of Reference for environmental impact assessment studies in June 2024. Fresh ToR were issued on 07 August 2024, and EIA and Environmental Management Plan studies are underway. The Central Electricity Authority appraised the project on 23 May 2025. Environmental clearance is pending, while forest clearance is under process.
The featured photograph is for representation only.