The Etalin hydroelectric project initially planned for construction in Arunachal Pradesh, which was set to combine two run-of-the-river schemes with minimal storage requiring concrete gravity dams on rivers Tangon and Dri, has been scrapped in its current form. Introduced in 2008, the project faced multiple controversies rooted in concerns over potential ecological damage, forest intrusion, and the displacement of tribes.
Significance of the Dir and Tangon Rivers
The Dir and Tangon rivers are tributaries of the Dibang River (itself a tributary of the Brahmaputra) in Arunachal Pradesh, India, and hold significant importance. These rivers contribute to the region’s hydrology, supplying water essential for irrigation and hydropower generation. In addition to their hydrological significance, these rivers serve as habitats supporting a diverse array of plant and animal life, including species that are rare and endangered. From a tourism perspective, the scenic beauty of Dir and Tangon rivers, along with the Dibang, make them popular tourist destinations.
Concerns Over the Etalin Hydel Project
The proposed project raised several significant concerns due to its potentially harmful impact on the environment. The construction implied the erection of a large dam on the Dibang River, threatening to submerge an expansive area of forest and wildlife habitat. Such a consequence could lead to the displacement of local communities and severe impacts on the region’s biodiversity.
Furthermore, the project’s implications extended to the displacement of thousands of people from their homes and livelihoods, many of whom belonged to indigenous communities depending on the Dibang River for sustenance. The alteration to the river’s natural flow could also adversely affect fish migration and breeding, impacting local communities relying on fishing.
The South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP) also underscored the geological and seismic risks and threats to biodiversity in 2015, during the project’s environmental clearance process.
A Closer Look at the Forest Advisory Committee
The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC), under the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), is a statutory body instituted by the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980. The FAC considers questions concerning the diversion of forest land for non-forest uses such as mining, industrial projects, and townships, and advises the government on whether to grant forest clearances. Its role, however, remains advisory.
Recent Developments and Steps Forward
The FAC has recently called upon the Arunachal Pradesh government to revisit the plan for the project. As a way forward, it is crucial to adopt a community-led approach, where the local population is consulted and involved in decision-making, ensuring their concerns are addressed.
Demarcating Ecologically Sensitive Areas is another necessary step. These areas, at risk of the loss of biodiversity, should be properly delineated to ensure their protection. Additionally, a thorough Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) should be conducted, evaluating the comprehensive impact of the project on the local environment.
In addition to the ongoing discussions around the Etalin Hydroelectric Project, similar hydropower projects have been central to previous UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions, including ones about the Tehri Hydropower Complex and the Tapovan and Vishnugarh Hydroelectric Projects. Understanding these projects can thus provide aspirants with useful context and insights.
