Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh: In a significant step toward accelerating hydroelectric power generation in Arunachal Pradesh, SJVN Limited has released ₹269.97 crore as land compensation for the 3097 MW Etalin Hydro Electric Project in Dibang Valley district.
The announcement was made during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu in Tawang. During the session, SJVN Chairman & Managing Director (Additional Charge) Raj Kumar Chaudhary confirmed that the compensation amount was deposited in the joint account of the Deputy Commissioner and the District Land Revenue & Settlement Officer of Dibang Valley on March 26, 2025.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, Power Commissioner Sonam Chombay, and other senior officials from the state government and SJVN attended the meeting.
Commending the move, CM Pema Khandu praised the collaborative efforts between the state and SJVN and assured the government’s full support in ensuring timely clearances and sustainable progress of the project.
“SJVN is committed to the inclusive development of Arunachal Pradesh,” said Chaudhary. “The release of this compensation amount is a major step in honouring the rights of local communities while ensuring infrastructural growth of the nation.”
SJVN and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on August 12, 2023, to develop the Etalin project, along with four additional hydroelectric projects — all located in Dibang Valley. Collectively, the five projects have a total generation capacity of 5097 MW and are expected to attract an estimated ₹60,000 crore in investment.
The Etalin project will feature two dams – one each on the Dri and Talo (Tangon) Rivers – and an underground powerhouse. It is slated for commissioning by December 2033.
The compensation release marks a critical milestone in the project’s journey, reinforcing SJVN’s focus on clean energy expansion and regional development.
SJVN, formerly known as Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, is an Indian public sector undertaking in the Navratna Category and involved in hydroelectric power generation and transmission. It was incorporated in 1988 as Nathpa Jhakri Power Corporation, a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh.