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Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

Commissioning of Oju Hydel Project

Prelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Why in the News?

The Union Environment Ministry has cleared the 2,220 MW Oju Hydroelectric Project on the Subansiri River in Taksing, Upper Subansiri district, near the China border.

About the Oju Hydroelectric Project:

  • Capacity & Location: A 2,220 MW run-of-river hydro project on the Subansiri River at Taksing, Upper Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh, near the China border.
  • Infrastructure:
    • Dam: 93 m high, 355 m long concrete gravity dam.
    • Tunnels: Two diversion tunnels, 14.17 km headrace tunnel.
    • Powerhouse: Underground, with 8 turbines of 231.25 MW each.
  • Hydrology: Catchment area 9,827 sq. km; average annual yield 11,339 million cubic meters.

Significance of the Project:

  • Hydro Cascade: Largest in Subansiri basin, upstream of projects like Niare, Naba, Nalo, Dengser, Upper & Lower Subansiri, making it vital for basin-wide energy planning.
  • Border Security: Strengthens India’s strategic presence near China border through infrastructure development.
  • Energy Security: Provides clean power at ~₹5.65/kWh, supporting renewable targets and reducing fossil dependence.

Back2Basics: Subansiri River

Commissioning of Oju Hydel Project

  • Also called the Gold River, it is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra, about 518 km long with a 32,640 sq. km basin.
  • It originates in Lhuntse County, Tibet, flows through Upper Subansiri district (Arunachal Pradesh), and enters India via the Miri Hills.
  • The Upper Subansiri refers to its Himalayan origin stretch, while the Lower Subansiri marks its descent into the Assam Valley through Lower Subansiri district.
  • It joins the Brahmaputra at Jamurighat/Majuli Island in Assam; key tributaries are Rangandi, Dikrong, Kamle, Char Chu, and Tsari Chu.
  • Known for floods, rapids, and hydropower projects like the Lower Subansiri, the river also carries cultural importance in Tibet’s Tsari region.

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