Archive · 11 Jun 2025
Forest Committee Clears Controversial Hydel Project in Arunachal
Imagine a plan to build a large electricity-making project in a forest, which involves cutting down many trees.
The government committee approved this project even though they had concerns before.
It's been a long time in the making.
People are worried that it will harm the environment and wildlife.
Some think more studies are needed.
The government has decided to go ahead.
This project is one of the largest proposed hydropower projects in India.
This decision aligns with a push to make hydropower projects go faster.
The FAC approved the Etalin hydel project, despite prior biodiversity and wildlife concerns raised in 2022.
The project involves diverting 1,175 hectares of forest land and felling around 2.78 lakh trees.
The project is proposed on the Dri and Talo rivers in the biodiverse Dibang valley.
The FAC approved the project based on existing studies, overlooking its own recommendations.
The approval has faced resistance from the Idu Mishmi community and is home to diverse wildlife.
- Who
- The Environment Ministry's Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) approved the Etalin hydel project. It has faced resistance from the Idu Mishmi community.
- What
- The FAC granted in-principle forest clearance to the 3,097-MW Etalin hydel project, involving forest land diversion and tree felling.
- When
- The FAC approved the project in May 2024.
- Where
- Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Why
- The FAC approved the project, overlooking prior recommendations and concerns, aligning with the push to fast-track hydropower projects.
Conservationists/Local Community
Government/Project Supporters
Environmental Impact
Conservationists/Local Community
The project threatens the rich biodiversity of the Dibang valley, including tigers, leopards, snow leopards, black bears, alpine musk deer, Mishmi takin, and about 680 bird species.
Government/Project Supporters
The project is important to the country's energy goals and fast-tracking of hydro projects.
Study Validity
Conservationists/Local Community
The FAC should have insisted on fresh biodiversity studies, as recommended, especially given inaccuracies found in existing wildlife assessments.
Government/Project Supporters
The FAC relied on the existing WII study and existing cumulative impact assessment.
- Project Capacity
- 3,097 MW
- Forest Land Required
- 1,175 hectares
- Trees to be Felled
- Around 2.78 lakh trees
- Rivers Involved
- Dri and Talo rivers (Dibang)
- Location
- Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh