Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment & Ecology
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
