In a significant move for India's energy security and border area development, a massive 1200-megawatt hydropower project proposed in Arunachal Pradesh has received a vital environmental clearance. The project, situated in the strategically important Dibang Valley near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, has been granted approval by an expert panel of the Union Environment Ministry.
Strategic and Environmental Clearance for Dibang Project
The 1200 MW Etalin Hydroelectric Project is a joint venture between Jindal Power Ltd and the Arunachal Pradesh government. The project's location in the Dibang Valley district, just about 40 kilometres from the sensitive border with China, adds a layer of strategic importance to its energy-generation goals. The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recommended the grant of Stage-I forest clearance for the ambitious venture.
This clearance is a critical step, allowing the project proponents to proceed with further planning and land acquisition processes. The FAC's decision came after detailed deliberations on the project's potential environmental impact and the proposed mitigation measures. The committee has, however, stipulated a set of specific conditions that must be adhered to, focusing on comprehensive biodiversity conservation and sustainable development practices in the ecologically sensitive region.
Project Details and Conditional Approval
The Etalin project is designed as a run-of-the-river scheme on the Dibang River and its tributary, the Tangon River. The plan involves constructing two dams and diverting water through a complex network of head race tunnels to an underground powerhouse. To accommodate the project's infrastructure, the proposal involves the diversion of approximately 1,150 hectares of forest land.
Recognising the ecological richness of the area, the FAC's approval is not unconditional. The expert panel has mandated the implementation of a rigorous Biodiversity Management Plan. Key conditions include:
- Conducting a detailed study and creating a conservation plan for the region's rich fish species.
- Establishing a dedicated fund for the long-term conservation and monitoring of the area's unique biodiversity.
- Ensuring that the project's execution strictly follows all environmental safeguards and compliance measures outlined in the clearance.
These conditions aim to balance the urgent need for clean energy infrastructure with the imperative of preserving one of India's most vital and fragile ecosystems.
Boosting Energy and Infrastructure in the Frontier Region
The clearance for the 1200 MW project marks a pivotal development for Arunachal Pradesh and India's broader energy landscape. Once completed, the Etalin Hydroelectric Project will be a major contributor to the country's hydroelectric power capacity, providing a stable and renewable source of electricity to the national grid. This is aligned with India's commitments to expand its non-fossil fuel energy sources.
Beyond power generation, the project is seen as a catalyst for infrastructure development in a remote border region. The construction and subsequent operation of such a large-scale project are expected to generate local employment, improve connectivity through the development of roads and ancillary facilities, and stimulate economic activity in the Dibang Valley. In a geopolitically sensitive zone, this development also underscores India's focus on strengthening its presence and creating sustainable assets in frontier areas.
The journey forward for the Etalin project will involve navigating the remaining regulatory stages, including Stage-II forest clearance and securing other necessary permits. The developers will need to meticulously implement the environmental conditions set by the FAC. This project, therefore, stands at the intersection of national energy goals, environmental stewardship, and strategic frontier development, setting a precedent for future undertakings in similar ecologically and geopolitically significant regions of India.
