In News:

The Prime Minister recently virtually inaugurated the 120 MW Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project in Assam, marking a significant step in strengthening renewable energy infrastructure in the Northeast.

About the Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project

• Type: Run-of-the-river hydropower project
• Capacity: 120 MW
• Location:
  • West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao (North Cachar Hills) Autonomous District Council areas
  • Situated in Central Assam
• River Basin: Kopili River
• Implementing Agency: Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL)
• Funding: Supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Assam Power Sector Investment Program

Key Features

• Environmentally more sustainable than large storage dams due to minimal reservoir requirement
• Designed to harness the natural flow of the river for power generation

About the Kopili River

• Type: Interstate river in Northeast India
• States Covered: Meghalaya and Assam
• Origin: Meghalaya Plateau
• Course:
  • Flows through Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts
  • Joins the Brahmaputra River as its largest south-bank tributary in Assam
• Length:
  • Total: 256 km
  • Shared between Meghalaya–Assam: 78 km
  • Within Assam: 178 km