Although the Etalin Hydroelectric Power project promises growth and development, numerous wildlife scientists and conservationists have expressed their concerns over the potential threats posed to the local biodiversity in the Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh. The following sections delve into examining these concerns, detailing the significance of the Dibang River, and outlining the role of the Forest Advisory Committee.
The Etalin Hydroelectric Power Project Controversy
The proposed Etalin hydroelectric power project, which is expected to generate around 3,097 MW, has been met with resistance from wildlife scientists and conservationists working in Arunachal Pradesh. They argue that this ambitious infrastructure could be detrimental to the area’s biodiversity. To ensure their reservations are heard, they decided to approach the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Both the WildLife Institute of India (WII) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) advised the FAC to incorporate certain safeguards and mitigation measures into the project’s approval process. Responding to these apprehensions, the FAC initiated a four-member committee tasked with managing potential impacts on the local wildlife population and endemic flora and fauna.
Significance of Dibang River
The Etalin hydroelectric power project is situated along the Dibang River. The river, which is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, flows through the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The execution of the project includes building two dams over the Dibang’s tributaries: Dir and Tangon.
The project falls within one of the most ecologically diverse provinces of the Himalayan zone, presenting both significant opportunities and challenges. Once completed, it would become one of the largest hydropower projects in India regarding installed capacity.
Environmental Concerns
Environmentalists argue that while recommending the proposal, the FAC sub-committee overlooked certain aspects of forest conservation and relevant legal issues. They believe the threat of forest fragmentation has not been adequately addressed. Forest fragmentation, often a side effect of poorly planned developmental projects, can pose threats to rare floral and faunal species in biodiversity hotspots.
In addition to this, the environmentalists also questioned the reliability of the data included in the FAC’s site inspection report. They suggested it was incomplete, not providing sufficient details about the vegetation status, signs of wild animals, and overall ecological value of the area.
Concerns were also raised regarding the Environment Impact Assessment report on Etalin, with critics arguing it inadequately addressed potential threats to 25 globally endangered mammal and bird species in the area.
Role of the Forest Advisory Committee
The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) is a statutory body established under the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980. The committee comes under the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change and primarily assesses whether forest land could be used for non-forest activities such as mining, industrial projects, and townships. Although its role is officially advisory, it plays a fundamental part in advising the government on granting forest clearances.
Possible Solutions
The success of the Etalin Hydroelectric Power project requires a balanced approach between growth, development, and environmental conservation. The local population should be involved in decision-making processes to ensure their concerns are incorporated. Ecologically sensitive areas need to be accurately demarcated and left undisturbed. A comprehensive study about the project’s impact on the environment is crucial. Lastly, the creation of more national parks and sanctuaries is suggested to protect endangered animals and plants in the region.
