Reviving the Voice of the Environment: NEHR Demands a Fresh Look at Etalin’s Hydro Project EIA, SIA, and Land Acquisition
NEHR Calls for Fresh Environmental and Social Impact Assessments for Etalin Hydro Project
Northeast Human Rights (NEHR) has requested a re-evaluation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Social Impact Assessment (SIA), and land acquisition for the Etalin Hydro Project (EHP) in Dibang Valley district, citing that the project was scrapped in early 2023 due to discrepancies found in the original EIA. The project, also known as the Etalin Hydro Electric Project (EHEP), aims to generate 3097 MW of power.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEFCC) has deemed the existing EIA flawed and outdated, rejecting the proposal in its current form. The ministry has requested the state government to submit a revised proposal that aligns with the latest guidelines and regulations. Notably, over ten years have passed since the initial proposal, during which several amendments and changes have been introduced in the guidelines and rules under the Van (Sanrakshan evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.
NEHR Chairperson Adv. Ebo Mili emphasized the need for a new EIA and SIA to reflect current environmental and social conditions. Mili urged that the updated EIA and SIA reports be made public for further scrutiny and transparency. The organization also stressed that no compensation should be released until all necessary requirements have been met and thoroughly scrutinized.
Furthermore, NEHR emphasized the importance of ensuring that all due diligence is followed to prevent any ecological, environmental, and social repercussions arising from the implementation of the project without proper reassessment. The organization urged the state government to re-survey the land acquisition rather than relying on outdated surveys to ensure accuracy and fairness.
In a related development, a notification for work permission was issued by Deputy Commissioner of Dibang Valley, Pagli Sora, granting permission to SJVN Limited for the establishment of Ground Control Points (GCPs), the carrying of equipment and material, and the construction of six RCC pillars at the proposed Hydro Power sites of Emini (500 MW), Amulin (420 MW), and Mihumdon (400 MW) for survey work and preparation of the feasibility report for each project.
Earlier, Assistant Inspector General of Forests Dr. Dheeraj Mittal wrote a letter to the Principal Secretary (Forests), Department of Forest and Environment, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, regarding the diversion of 1165.66 ha of forest land for the construction of the Etalin Hydro Electric Project (EHEP) (3097 MW) in Dibang Valley district by M/s Etalin Hydro Electric Power Company Limited, Arunachal Pradesh. Mittal highlighted the need for a robust empirical estimate and consultation with the Forest Survey of India (FSI).
The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) meeting held on 27.12.2022 deliberated on the proposal and emphasized the importance of reviewing the facts and figures presented by the state government, especially with regard to the number of trees that need to be felled. The Committee also recommended a multi-seasonal biodiversity study and a cumulative impact assessment considering other hydro-power projects in the Dibang Valley.
In conclusion, the Etalin Hydro Project remains a contentious issue, and NEHR’s call for fresh environmental and social impact assessments underscores the need for a thorough evaluation of the project’s potential risks and consequences. As the debate surrounding the project continues, it remains to be seen whether the state government and developers will heed the call for responsible environmental and social practices.
Original Source: https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2025/04/03/nehr-seeks-re-evaluation-of-etalin-hydro-eia-sia-and-land-acquisition/
Category : State News
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Publish Date: 2025-04-03 01:37:00
