The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has given its “in-principle” approval to Etalin Hydropower Project situated at a high conservation value area.
- About Forest Advisory Committee (FAC)
- Nature: It is a statutory body under the provisions of section-3 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
- Role: Advise is recommendatory in nature so far as diversion of forest land for the purpose of non-forestry use, including mining.
About Etalin Hydropower Project
- Location: The Dibang Valley, in Arunachal Pradesh. It forms part of the Eastern Himalaya Global Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the 36 such global biodiversity hotspots.
- Rivers: The Etalin project will feature two Gravity dams: One on the Dri River. Another on the Talo (Tangon)
- Capacity: 3,097 MW.
Implications of the Etalin Hydropower Project
- Environmental Impact
- Deforestation: The project will involve felling of 2.7 lakh trees and diversion of over 1100 hectare of unclassed forest land.
- Biodiversity: About 6 globally threatened mammal species are found in this region of which 3 are endangered and 3 are in the vulnerable category.
- This region has about 56% of total bird species of India
- It also has 3 very rare restricted range endemic bird species.
- Indigenous Concerns: Local indigenous communities, including the Adi and Idu Mishmi tribes, have voiced strong opposition due to potential displacement and loss of land.