19-Jan-2023: Etalin Hydroelectric Project scrapped in its present form due to controversies
Plan combined two run-of-the-river schemes with limited storage. Required concrete gravity dams on rivers Tangon and Dir.
Significance of Dir and Tangon River
- Contribute to overall hydrology of region
- Support diverse plant and animal life, including rare species
- Scenic beauty of rivers a major tourist destination
Concerns Raised Around the Project
- Environmental Impact: Large dam on Dibang River would submerge forest and wildlife habitat
- Displacement of Local Communities: Thousands of people will be displaced from homes and livelihoods
- Impact on River Ecosystem: Changes natural flow of river and affects fish migration and breeding
- Geological and Seismic Risks: Threats to biodiversity highlighted by South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP)
Forest Advisory Committee (FAC)
- Statutory body constituted by Forest (Conservation) Act 1980
- Comes under Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
- Considers questions on diversion of forest land for non-forest uses and advises government on granting forest clearances
- It's role is advisory
Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) asked Arunachal Pradesh government to go back to the drawing board and submit plan again.