National Current Affairs
Kalai-II Hydropower Project
- 07 Jan 2026
- 2 min read
Why in News?
A Union Environment Ministry expert panel has recommended environmental clearance (EC) for the 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh.
Key Points
- Project Details: The 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydropower project is proposed on the Lohit River to be implemented by THDC India Ltd at Hawai village in Anjaw district.
- It is a run-of-river project with pondage to generate clean electricity while using the river’s natural flow.
- Lohit River: A tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
- EIA Controversy: Environmentalists and local residents criticized the EIA report for failing to mention the presence of the critically endangered white-bellied heron (Ardea insignis).
- White-Bellied Heron:
- The white-bellied heron prefers free-flowing riverine habitats with low disturbance and feeds mainly on fish in rapids.
- Its presence has been recorded in the Lohit River basin, including Kamlang and Namdapha Tiger Reserves.
- IUCN Status: The white-bellied heron is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- WPA Status: Placed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Environmental Concerns: Critics argue that hydroelectric dams and other infrastructure can degrade critical riverine ecosystems, threatening species like the white-bellied heron through habitat loss, disturbance, and reduced fish populations.
