The Dibang Multipurpose Project (2880 MW), one of India’s largest hydroelectric initiatives, has achieved a significant engineering breakthrough with the successful completion of its diversion tunnel. This critical milestone allows the main river flow of the Dibang River to be diverted, paving the way for the construction of the main dam structure in Lower Dibang Valley district, Arunachal Pradesh.
The diversion tunnel, approximately 1.2 km long with a finished diameter of 10.2 meters, was executed through extremely challenging geological conditions, including high rock cover, squeezing ground, and seismic vulnerability typical of the Eastern Himalayas. The breakthrough was achieved using drill-and-blast methodology combined with state-of-the-art tunnel boring techniques and continuous monitoring to ensure safety and structural stability.
Key project authorities, including NHPC Limited (the executing agency), celebrated the event as a testament to meticulous planning, advanced engineering, and the dedication of thousands of workers and engineers involved over several years.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated the NHPC team, local communities, and all stakeholders, describing the breakthrough as a “historic step forward” in realizing one of the most ambitious clean energy projects in the Northeast. He reiterated that the Dibang project, once fully operational, will significantly contribute to India’s renewable energy targets, provide peaking power support to the national grid, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and bring substantial development to the Dibang Valley region through infrastructure, skill training, and community welfare programs.
Important project facts:
- Installed capacity: 2,880 MW (12 generating units of 240 MW each)
- Annual energy generation: Approximately 11,886 million units
- Height of concrete gravity dam: 288 meters (one of the tallest in the world upon completion)
- Reservoir: Large storage capacity for flood moderation and regulated water release
- Environmental & social safeguards: Comprehensive R&R packages, biodiversity conservation measures, and catchment area treatment programs
The diversion of the river now enables the next critical phases: foundation excavation for the dam, construction of spillways, and progressive build-up of the main structure. NHPC has assured that all work will continue with the highest standards of environmental compliance and community consultation.
This achievement reinforces Arunachal Pradesh’s pivotal role in India’s hydropower and clean energy future while balancing development with ecological sensitivity in one of the country’s most biodiverse and geologically complex regions.
Tags: Dibang Multipurpose Project, Hydel Project Breakthrough, Diversion Tunnel Dibang, NHPC Arunachal, 2880 MW Dibang Project, Lower Dibang Valley Development, Arunachal Hydropower Milestone, Clean Energy Northeast, Pema Khandu Congratulates, Arunachal Pradesh News
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