Assam Clears INR 5,400 Crore Pumped Storage Project, Launches Green Fund and Welfare Schemes

In a major push towards renewable energy and sustainable development, the Assam Cabinet has approved the development of a INR 5,400-crore, 900 MW off-stream Pumped Storage Project (PSP) at West Karbi Anglong.

The project will be executed by Hinduja Renewables Energy Pvt. Ltd. on a self-identified site and marks a significant step toward the state’s goal of achieving 2 GW of PSP capacity by 2030.

The project is designed to enhance grid stability and it will store excess electricity during low-demand periods and release it during peak hours, improving energy efficiency and resilience. In another landmark decision, the Cabinet greenlit the creation of the Assam Industrial and Green Growth Fund, a INR 3,000-crore SEBI-registered Alternate Investment Fund. The fund will receive an initial anchor investment of INR 500 crore, disbursed in phases, and will mobilize long-term capital for sectors such as renewable energy, green infrastructure, MSMEs, tourism, agro-tech, and startups.

On the social welfare front, the government approved the launch of the ‘Shradhanjali’ scheme, which aims to support the dignified repatriation of deceased individuals who are domiciled in Assam but pass away outside the state. The scheme, effective from October 1, 2025, will apply to accidental deaths and murders, particularly of low-income youth working outside Assam, excluding medical deaths. A Special Branch DIG-rank officer will coordinate efforts, with reporting channels through local police, administration, or the 112 helpline. A dedicated social media ID will also be launched for case tracking.

Further, the Cabinet approved the notification of two wetlands in Goalpara district, Urpad Beel (1,256 hectares) and Hasila Beel (245 hectares) , as Proposed Reserve Forests under Section 5 of the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891. A one-month window will be provided for public feedback on the Hasila Beel proposal.

Rounding off the Cabinet’s agenda, the government also gave its nod to the formulation of the Assam State Mineral Exploration Trust Rules, 2025. This framework will establish the State Mineral Exploration Trust (SMET), tasked with promoting the exploration of minor minerals such as sand, gravel, stone, granite, limestone, quartzite, and china clay.

The decisions were taken during the Cabinet meeting held on Sunday, reflecting Assam’s growing focus on climate resilience, green growth, and social accountability.