Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project

Why in News?

Recently, Union Environment Ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) has recommended environmental clearance (EC) for the Kalai‑II hydroelectric project on the Lohit River.

Project Details

• Developed by – Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) India Ltd.
• Location – Lohit River (a tributary of the Brahmaputra in Anjaw’s Hawai village, Arunachal Pradesh).
• Capacity – 1,200 MW.
• Type – Run-of-river with pondage project.

A standard run-of-river project generates electricity by using the natural flow and elevation of the river.

• Structure – Concrete gravity dam with underground powerhouse.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Consultant – Water & Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) Ltd.
• EIA’s Avian fauna chapter listed 28 species on 19 families; but omitted white‑bellied heron, failed to mention under – threat species.

Significant locations under threat

• Lohit River Basin – Supports free‑flowing riverine habitats crucial for fish diversity and endangered avifauna.
• Avifauna – The collective bird population of a specific region, habitat, or geological period.
• Kamlang Tiger Reserve – Misrepresented only as a sanctuary in EIA; Habitat for white‑bellied heron also home to tigers, elephants, and rich biodiversity.
• Namdapha Tiger Reserve – Known for heron nesting sites; one of India’s richest biodiversity zones with endemic flora and fauna.
• Walong (Anjaw district) – Only other nesting site of white‑bellied heron in India; records of nest abandonment due to anthropogenic disturbance.
• Parshuram Kund (downstream Lohit) – Pilgrimage site; ecological and cultural significance.

White‑Bellied Heron (Ardea insignis)

• The 2nd largest heron in the world after Goliath Heron.
• Habitat – Free‑flowing rivers with rapids, low disturbance zones.
• Threats – Hunting and habitat loss are the major threats.
• Population – Less than 250 globally; 60 estimated in wild; 4–5 breeding pairs in Bhutan, fewer in eastern Arunachal.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Red List – Critically Endangered
  • Wildlife Protection Act – Schedule‑I

Reference

• The Indian Express | Kalai II Hydroelectric Project