Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions [GS Paper-2]

06/06/2024

269 3 minutes read

Context

The Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project is a significant infrastructure development project in Nepal, aimed at harnessing the hydroelectric potential of the Arun River. The project is a run-of-the-river scheme located in the Sankhuwasabha District of Eastern Nepal. Recently, the Prime Minister of Nepal triggered the last blast of the Head Race Tunnel, marking a major milestone in the project’s construction.

Key Points

Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project is in Sankhuwasabha District of Eastern Nepal and produces 900 MW of electricity from the Arun River basin.
It is a project developed jointly by SJVN Limited, which is a joint venture between the Indian and Himachal Pradesh governments.
It has an underground Power House which will accommodate four units that will generate 225 MW each; a 70 metre high concrete gravity dam as well as 11.74 km long Head race tunnel (HRT).
The project will generate 4018.87 million units of electricity every year, which will be exported to India.
The project will contribute to the overall development of the region, by generating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.
The project is a significant example of cooperation between India and Nepal in the energy sector.

Background of the Project

Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project is a 900 MW project by SJVN Limited, a joint venture of the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
The Project is being executed on a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) basis for a period of 30 years.
It is proposed to be a 70 m high concrete gravity dam and 11.74 km long Head Race Tunnel (HRT), accommodating an underground Power House with four generating units of 225 MW each.
The project will generate 4018.87 million units of electricity per annum, which will be supplied to India.

Significance of the Project

The Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project is significant to Nepal’s energy sector as it is going to provide them with surplus power to India. The strength of economic linkages of the two countries will rise out of the project.
Employment opportunities will be generated for the local population and promote overall development in the region.
The project is also expected to attract investment and stimulate economic growth in the region.

Last Blast of Head Race Tunnel

The last blast of the Head Race Tunnel is a very important milestone of the Project.
The tunnel is very important to the Project as it diverts water from the river Arun to the powerhouse.
The blast was carried out by the Prime Minister of Nepal along with other dignitaries.
This is the completion of the tunnel excavation portion through the drilling and blasting method.

Impact of the Project

The Arun-3 hydroelectric project will have a huge impact on Nepal’s energy sector. It is going to generate 4018.87 million units of electricity every year, which will be exported to India.
Likewise, this project will contribute to the overall development of the region by way of employment and economic growth.
Similarly, the project is going to help in reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and moving toward a cleaner environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the triggering of the last blast of the Head Race Tunnel of the Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project is a significant milestone for Nepal’s energy sector. The project will provide surplus power to India, strengthen economic linkages between the two countries, and contribute to the overall development of the region. The project is a testament to the cooperation between India and Nepal in the energy sector and is expected to have a positive impact on the region’s economy.

Source: PIB

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. Consider the following statements about the Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project

The project is located on the Arun River in Bhutan.

It is being developed by India’s Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Limited.

The project aims to generate over 900 MW of electricity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2, and 3

Ans – “b”