Brahmaputra Hydropower Plan 2025

India has unveiled a landmark Brahmaputra hydropower plan 2025, aiming to generate more than 76 gigawatts (GW) of hydroelectric power from the Brahmaputra River basin by 2047. This ambitious plan, worth ₹6.4 trillion (~$77 billion), was announced by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) on October 13, 2025, as India seeks to meet rising electricity demands while reducing fossil fuel dependence.

At the same time, the Caste Census in India has become a critical topic in current affairs. It involves gathering detailed data on caste composition across the country, which is vital for policy formulation, reservation benefits, and social planning.

Both the Brahmaputra hydropower plan 2025 and the Caste Census in India reflect India’s dual focus on infrastructure growth and socio-economic planning.

Key Features of the Brahmaputra Hydropower Plan 2025

The Brahmaputra hydropower plan 2025 aims to build the hydropower transmission infrastructure needed to transport electricity from 208 large hydro projects across 12 sub-basins in Northeast India.

Key states involved include:

• Arunachal Pradesh

• Assam

• Sikkim

• Mizoram

• Manipur

• Meghalaya

• Nagaland

• West Bengal

These regions hold over 80% of India’s untapped hydro potential, with Arunachal Pradesh contributing 52.2 GW, making it a crucial part of India’s hydroelectric plan. The plan also includes 11.1 GW of pumped-storage capacity to balance grid fluctuations.

Investment and Phases

The Brahmaputra hydropower plan 2025 is structured into two major phases:

Phase 1 (until 2035)

• Investment: ₹1.91 trillion (~$23 billion)

• Focus: Initial development of hydro projects and hydropower transmission infrastructure in India

Phase 2 (2035–2047)

• Investment: ₹4.52 trillion (~$54 billion)

• Focus: Full-scale electricity generation and completion of transmission networks

The projects will be executed by major public sector utilities, including NHPC, NEEPCO, and SJVN.

Geopolitical Context: China Dam Impact

The Brahmaputra River originates in China and flows into India and Bangladesh. China’s dam projects on the upper stretch could reduce dry-season flows by up to 85%, impacting Arunachal Pradesh's hydropower potential and agriculture in Assam.

The Brahmaputra hydropower plan 2025 thus also serves as a strategic initiative to safeguard India’s energy and water security.

Understanding the Caste Census in India

The Caste Census in India is a nationwide exercise to collect detailed data on caste distribution across states.

It helps the government in:

• Formulating reservation policies and quotas

• Planning social welfare schemes effectively

• Understanding demographic patterns for economic planning

The Caste Census in India provides accurate insights into the socio-economic status of communities, enabling policymakers to address inequalities and promote inclusive growth. SSC aspirants should note that the last official caste census was conducted decades ago, making the current one a significant development in India’s governance and planning.

Importance of the Caste Census in India

• Supports evidence-based policymaking

• Influences political representation and allocation of resources

• Helps in assessing the impact of social schemes

• Provides critical data for research on inequality and development

The Caste Census in India is therefore directly linked to national planning and complements infrastructure initiatives like the Brahmaputra hydropower plan 2025 by ensuring development reaches all communities equitably.

Strategic Significance of Brahmaputra Hydropower and Social Planning

While the Brahmaputra hydropower plan 2025 boosts renewable energy generation, the Caste Census in India strengthens social infrastructure.

Together, they highlight India’s dual approach:

• Economic and energy growth via Northeast India hydroelectric projects

• Inclusive social planning through the Caste Census in India

The Caste Census in India provides data that can guide future projects in the energy, education, and employment sectors, ensuring balanced growth.

Static Facts for SSC Aspirants

Brahmaputra Hydropower Plan 2025

• Plan Announced By: Central Electricity Authority (CEA)

• Date: October 13, 2025

• Total Investment: ₹6.4 trillion (~$77 billion)

• Total Capacity Target: 76 GW hydroelectric + 11.1 GW pumped storage

• Project Sites: 208 hydro projects in 12 sub-basins

• States Involved: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, West Bengal

• Phase 1 Cost: ₹1.91 trillion (till 2035)

• Phase 2 Cost: ₹4.52 trillion (2035–2047)

• Key PSUs: NHPC, NEEPCO, SJVN

Caste Census in India

• Objective: Collect detailed caste data for policy and planning

• Significance: Guides reservation policies, welfare schemes, and research

• Relevance: Vital for SSC current affairs preparation

Final Thoughts

India has launched the Brahmaputra Hydropower Plan 2025, a ₹6.4 trillion initiative aiming to generate over 76 GW of hydroelectric power from the Brahmaputra River basin by 2047.

The plan involves 208 hydro projects across eight northeastern states, with Arunachal Pradesh contributing 52.2 GW. It also includes 11.1 GW of pumped-storage capacity to balance grid fluctuations. Alongside, the Caste Census in India is gathering detailed data on caste distribution, helping policymakers design inclusive social and economic programmes.

Together, these initiatives reflect India’s approach to renewable energy growth and equitable development, balancing infrastructure, strategy, and social planning.