Etalin Hydropower Project Approval
The Environment Ministry's Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has granted in-principle forest clearance to the 3,097-MW Etalin hydel project in Arunachal Pradesh. This move aligns with the Centre’s initiative to expedite hydropower projects in the North-East.
Project Details and Location
- The project involves the diversion of 1,175 hectares of forest land and the felling of approximately 2.78 lakh trees.
- It is located in the Dibang Valley and is set to be constructed on the Dri and Talo rivers.
- Etalin is among India's largest proposed hydropower projects by generation capacity.
Approval Process and Concerns
- Despite previous biodiversity and wildlife concerns raised by the FAC in 2022, the project has now been approved based on existing studies.
- The FAC had initially rejected the project in December 2022, citing the need for fresh biodiversity and cumulative impact assessments.
- This is a run-of-the-river project, meaning it does not involve water storage.
Ecological and Community Impact
- The project area is predominantly a community forest and faces resistance from the Idu Mishmi community.
- The region is home to diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, snow leopards, black bears, alpine musk deer, Mishmi takin, and about 680 bird species.
Previous Assessments and Studies
- A wildlife conservation plan was conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in 2019, instead of the multi-season biodiversity study recommended.
- The WII study faced criticism from conservationists for inaccurate wildlife documentation.
Committee's Decision and Rationale
- The FAC’s decision in May 26 meeting relied on existing studies, despite suggestions for fresh assessments.
- Senior officials did not comment on the rationale behind the approval without new studies.
