Heron's Fate Hangs in Balance Over Arunachal Hydel Project

The Environment Ministry's Forest Advisory Committee has given in-principle approval for the 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh. This clearance permits the diversion of 869 hectares of forest land, including 638 hectares for submergence, impacting the Anjaw and Namsai forest divisions.

The THDC India Limited project, a Rs 14,176.26 crore initiative, is slated for construction in the Anjaw district, bordering China. It involves a 128.5 m concrete gravity dam and an underground powerhouse.

Despite state government assurances that the critically endangered White-Bellied Heron is not present in the proposed diversion area, the FAC has mandated a review of the wildlife management plan by the Wildlife Institute of India. This review aims to ensure ecological consistency and effective mitigation for downstream projects.

Concerns persist as local communities and project-affected individuals have reported sightings of the heron in its riverine habitat, including areas directly impacted by the project. The Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department officially recorded the bird in April 2021 within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve, downstream of the proposed project.

With fewer than 60 individuals estimated globally, the White-Bellied Heron's declining numbers are attributed to habitat loss, hunting, and human disturbances. The ministry's regional office also acknowledged the potential adverse effects on wildlife migration corridors due to the expanded submerged area, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive biodiversity conservation plan.