Work has officially commenced on the 2000-MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP) with the installation of the spiral casing for Unit 7.

The event was attended by Mohammad Afzal, Joint Secretary (hydro) from the Ministry of Power, along with NHPC officials, including Rajneesh Agarwal and Rajendra Prasad. Afzal commended the project's team for their relentless efforts, noting that the spiral casing is a significant technical advancement for the project.

SLHEP has faced numerous challenges since receiving approval in 2003, including an eight-year suspension due to strong opposition due to concerns about environmental and social impacts. The deadlock concluded in October 2019 when the National Green Tribunal granted environmental clearance, allowing the project to move forward. Positioned 2.3 km upstream of the Subansiri river in Arunachal Pradesh, the project aims to benefit multiple regions.