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File image of Assam Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah (left), Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (middle) and Chief Secretary Ravi Kota at a post-budget press briefing (Photo - @himantabiswa / X)

Guwahati, July 15: As the demand for electricity in Assam continues to grow due to urban expansion, industrial development, and economic progress, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that the state government plans to utilize even the smallest hydropower resources to enhance energy security and achieve a surplus in power generation.

During the general discussion on the Assam Budget for 2026-27 in the Assembly, Sarma revealed that the government intends to establish 11 small hydropower projects with a total capacity of 137.2 MW, requiring an investment of approximately Rs 2,617 crore.

The planned projects will be located in various areas including Karbi Langpi Middle-I, Karbi Langpi Middle-II, Dhansiri, Lungnit, Disaidam, Bordikorai, Amring, Jenum, Klarang, Desang, and Amphi, spanning across Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, and other districts.

Sarma emphasized the government's evolving strategy towards hydropower development, stating that Assam is now ready to tap into even modest hydropower potential.

"Nearly three years ago, Akhil Gogoi raised concerns regarding small hydropower initiatives. Today, we are eager to pursue such projects wherever feasible, even if the capacity is just one to four megawatts," he noted.

The Chief Minister pointed out that Assam can no longer depend solely on its current power generation capabilities as electricity usage is surging across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

"We have allocated Rs 77,000 crore to achieve power surplus status. Historically, since Independence, 14 Chief Ministers have governed Assam, collectively generating around 450 MW of power. Now, we are aiming for a generation capacity of 8,457 MW," he stated.

Sarma highlighted that a dependable and sufficient power supply is essential for fostering industrial growth, attracting investments, and facilitating the state's overall economic transformation.

"Economic growth will only materialize when the state has a robust industrial base, agricultural advancements, effective flood management, and modernized education," he added.

This announcement comes at a time when Assam's power infrastructure is under increasing strain, with peak electricity demand rising sharply in recent years due to the growth of urban areas, increased household consumption, and rapid industrialization.

To address future energy needs, the State Budget has outlined a Rs 77,353-crore investment plan that encompasses hydropower, solar energy, thermal generation, and battery energy storage systems.

The strategy also includes a proposed 3,200 MW thermal power project at Bilasipara, expansion of renewable energy capabilities, and various other hydropower initiatives throughout the state.

In addition to enhancing generation capacity, the government is also modernizing Assam's aging transmission and distribution network. An investment of nearly Rs 4,000 crore is being directed towards new substations, transmission corridors, and upgraded distribution infrastructure to enhance grid reliability and minimize outages as electricity demand continues to rise.