Why in NEWS
The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has given in-principle forest clearance for the 3,097 MW Etalin run-of-the-river hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh.
Key Terms & Concepts
| Term / Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Etalin Hydropower Project | Proposed in Arunachal’s Dibang Valley; 3,097 MW run-of-the-river project. |
| Run-of-the-River Project | Hydro project using river’s natural flow without large dam or reservoir. |
| Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) | A statutory body under MoEFCC that advises on forest land diversion. |
| Idu Mishmi Tribe | Indigenous community opposing the project due to ecological and cultural concerns. |
| Global Biodiversity Hotspot | Area rich in biodiversity but threatened; Eastern Himalaya is one of 36 worldwide. |
News Summary
- Location: Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh—part of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot.
- Project Type: Two gravity dams on Dri and Talo (Tangon) Rivers, tributaries of the Dibang.
- Tree Loss: Over 270,000 trees to be felled, 1,100+ hectares of forest diverted.
- Community Opposition: Idu Mishmi tribe raises concerns about displacement and ecosystem damage.
- Biodiversity Impact:
- Home to endangered mammals like snow leopard, musk deer, and Mishmi takin.
- Hosts 56% of India’s bird species, including 3 rare endemic ones.
In a Nutshell
The Etalin project promises clean energy but at a steep ecological cost—forests, tribal lands, and unique species face irreversible damage. The debate continues: green energy or green cover?
Prelims Practice Questions
- The Etalin Hydropower Project is located in which Indian biodiversity hotspot?
a) Western Ghats
b) Eastern Himalayas
c) Indo-Burma
d) Sundarbans - Which of the following is true about Run-of-the-River projects?
a) They require large reservoirs
b) They use tidal currents for energy
c) They depend on natural river flow
d) They produce only thermal energy - What is the main advisory role of the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC)?
a) Regulating eco-sensitive zones
b) Advising on forest land diversion
c) Conducting climate impact audits
d) Approving urban housing projects
Mains Practice Questions
- Critically examine the environmental consequences of run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects in ecologically sensitive zones. (10 marks)
- Evaluate the conflict between India’s green energy transition and biodiversity conservation with special reference to the Etalin Project. (15 marks)
Answers for Prelims Questions
| Q No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | b | The project is in the Eastern Himalaya Global Biodiversity Hotspot. |
| 2 | c | Run-of-the-river projects use the river’s natural flow to generate energy. |
| 3 | b | FAC advises on diverting forest land for non-forest use. |
