MoEFCC FAC defers decision on 3,097 MW Etalin HEP

The MoEFCC’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has deferred its decision on the 3,097 MW Etalin HEP in Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. The project, proposed and developed by Etalin Hydro Electric Power Company Limited, a joint venture of Hydropower Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh Limited and Jindal Power Limited, has been delayed for over six years as it requires diverting 1,165 hectares of forest land. The FAC has asked MoP to comment whether the project in its current form is viable. It has also directed Arunachal Pradesh government to submit a cost-benefit analysis of the project. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 253 billion. Several scientists and wildlife biologists had earlier written to FAC, warning about the massive loss of biodiversity, if the project was allowed to come up.