Font size:
Print
Etalin Hydropower Project
Overlooking own concerns in past, Environment Ministry’s forest committee clears Arunachal’s Etalin hydel project
Context: The Environment Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has granted in-principle forest clearance to the 3,097-MW Etalin hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley.
More on News
- The approval aligns with the Centre’s push to fast-track hydropower projects in the North-East.
- The appraisal of the project has been underway since 2014. The FAC discussed the project six times between 2015 and 2022 before granting approval in May 2024.
Forest Advisory Committee (FAC)
- The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC), constituted under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
- Functions of the FAC:
-
- Evaluates proposals for the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes such as industrial projects, mining, and townships.
- Advises the government on granting forest clearances for projects.
- Ensures compliance with environmental safeguards and minimises ecological damage.
- Mandates compensatory afforestation and payment of Net Present Value (NPV) for diverted forest land.
Reviews compliance of previously approved projects and suggests corrective measures.
What is the Etalin Hydropower Project?
- The Etalin Hydropower Project is a 3,097-MW run-of-the-river project proposed in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley.
- It involves diversion of 1,175 hectares of forest land and felling of approximately 2.78 lakh trees.
- The project will be constructed on Dri river and Talo river (local name for Dibang river).
- It is among India’s largest proposed hydropower projects in terms of generation capacity.
Why was the project initially rejected in 2022?
- The FAC rejected the project in December 2022 due to two primary concerns:
- Outdated Data – The project was originally submitted in 2014, and the FAC insisted on reviewing tree felling figures.
- Biodiversity & Wildlife Protection – The FAC sub-committee recommended further assessments and safeguards, including:
- A multi-seasonal replicate biodiversity study (previously directed in 2017).
- A cumulative impact assessment, since multiple hydroelectric projects are planned in Dibang Valley.
How Was the Approval Granted Despite Previous Concerns?
- Instead of conducting fresh studies, the FAC relied on existing reports, including:
- A wildlife conservation plan by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) (submitted in 2019).
- An existing cumulative impact assessment.
- The WII study was criticised by 29 independent Indian conservationists for:
- Scientific deficiencies and inaccurate wildlife documentation.
- Reporting species not found in India, such as an African bat and long-tailed house bat.
- Despite these concerns, the FAC found the state forest department’s submissions satisfactory and recommended in-principle approval with standard and specific conditions.
What Are the Environmental Concerns?
- The Dibang Valley is home to several endangered species, including tigers, leopards, snow leopards, black bears, alpine musk deer, Mishmi takin, and about 680 bird species.
- The Idu Mishmi community has strongly opposed the project due to its impact on community forests and biodiversity.
- The Dibang Valley is prone to earthquakes, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods, making large-scale infrastructure projects risky.
- The project could lead to displacement of local communities, affecting their cultural and economic stability.
How to Address These Concerns?
- Conduct Fresh Biodiversity and Cumulative Impact Assessments: A multi-seasonal biodiversity study should be carried out to ensure accurate documentation of wildlife and ecological impact.
- Strengthen Community Engagement: The concerns of the Idu Mishmi community should be addressed through consultations and sustainable forest management plans.
- Implement Stronger Conservation Measures: A comprehensive wildlife conservation plan should be developed to mitigate the impact on endangered species.
- Ensure Transparency in Decision-Making: The Environment Ministry should provide clear justifications for its decisions and ensure scientific integrity in environmental assessments.
About Dibang River
- The Dibang River is an important tributary of the Brahmaputra River,
- flowing through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in northeastern India.
- It originates near Keya Pass on the Indo-China border in the Upper Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh.
- The river flows through the Mishmi Hills, passing through Upper Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley before entering the plains of Assam near Sadiya.
- Major tributaries include Dri, Mathun, Tangon, Ithun, Emra, Ahi, and Eme.
- The Dibang joins the Lohit River, which eventually merges with the Siang River to form the Brahmaputra River.
