Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 07/05/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (07-05-2025).

📝 Mains Question (GS Paper 3 – Economic Development | Energy Security | Infrastructure)

Q. Assam’s newly launched Thermal Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025 aims to make the state energy self-sufficient by 2035. Critically analyse the potential of this policy to achieve energy security, and discuss the environmental and socio-economic challenges that may arise in its implementation.

✅ Model Answer:

Introduction:
Assam faces a consistent surge in power demand—about 1,000 MW every two years—while simultaneously lacking substantial hydropower potential. In this backdrop, the Assam Cabinet introduced the Thermal Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025, with an ambitious goal of achieving 5,000 MW capacity by 2035. The policy seeks to attract private investments and build a self-sufficient energy infrastructure, although it raises important environmental and social considerations.

🌟 Potential for Achieving Energy Security

Bridging Energy Deficits:
The policy will reduce dependence on external power sources and plug Assam’s peak demand gaps, ensuring better grid stability.
Catalyst for Industrialisation:
Assured electricity supply is critical for Assam’s industrial growth, including petrochemicals, logistics, and cement manufacturing.
Cross-border Energy Trade:
Surplus power can be exported to neighbouring NE states and countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan, turning Assam into a regional energy hub.
Enabling Private Sector Investment:
Through free land, water, roads, and optional 27% government equity, the policy de-risks projects and encourages large-scale investments.
Job Creation and Ancillaries:
Each plant will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost local vendors, and promote ancillary sectors like transport and construction.

⚠️ Environmental and Socio-Economic Challenges

Dimension	Challenges
Environmental	– Increased carbon emissions, contrary to India’s Net Zero 2070 target.
	– High water usage for cooling may impact agriculture and drinking water.
	– Ash disposal, air and thermal pollution risk in ecologically fragile zones.
Social	– Land requirement (~3,000 bighas per plant) may lead to displacement/conflict.
	– Risk of inadequate compensation or improper rehabilitation.
	– Limited local skilled workforce may restrict employment benefits.
Economic	– Future viability concerns due to global pivot to renewables.
	– Projects are capital intensive (₹20,000+ crore each) with long gestation.
	– State equity participation may burden public finances if returns are delayed.

🛠️ Way Forward

Environmental Safeguards:
Mandate clean coal technologies, flue gas desulphurization (FGD) units, and carbon offsetting mechanisms.
Blended Energy Strategy:
Develop hybrid models combining thermal + solar or biomass, to ensure energy mix diversification.
Skill Development:
Establish local training hubs in collaboration with ITIs and private players for workforce readiness.
Transparent Land Acquisition:
Ensure participatory planning, fair compensation, and rehabilitation, especially for vulnerable groups.
Periodic Review Mechanism:
Introduce a dynamic policy dashboard to evaluate performance, environmental metrics, and fiscal impact regularly.

🧩 Conclusion:

The Assam Thermal Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025 is a well-intentioned initiative with the potential to transform Assam into a power-surplus state and a regional industrial leader. However, its success hinges on sustainability, social inclusion, and adaptive governance. With proactive environmental management and people-centric planning, Assam can achieve energy security without compromising its ecological and social fabric.

✨ Looking for top-quality APSC Mains Guidance with Personalised Mentor?

🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!

For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.

Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group