 |
|
The Indian government is currently reassessing the environmental clearances for the controversial Etalin hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh, a move that comes shortly after China commenced construction on the world's largest hydropower project upstream on the same transboundary river system. The Etalin project, proposed for the Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, has faced persistent scrutiny due to its potential ecological and social impacts. The timing of the review, coinciding with China's advancement on its mega-dam project, adds a layer of geopolitical complexity to the environmental considerations. The expert panel of the Union environment ministry is scheduled to deliberate on the project's environmental viability, taking into account concerns about forest diversion, biodiversity loss, and potential impacts on downstream water resources. The project's developer, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Ltd, has been tasked with providing updated environmental impact assessments, addressing the concerns raised by environmental advocacy groups and local communities. The decision on the Etalin project will not only determine the fate of a major infrastructure project in a strategically important region but also influence India's approach to managing shared water resources in the face of China's ambitious hydropower development plans. The central question revolves around whether the project can proceed without causing irreversible damage to the fragile ecosystem of the Dibang Valley and without exacerbating existing water security concerns in the Brahmaputra basin. The balancing act between development and environmental protection is becoming increasingly challenging in this transboundary context, demanding careful consideration of all potential consequences.
The Etalin project proposes the construction of a 3,087-MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric plant on the Dri and Talo rivers, tributaries of the Dibang, which eventually flows into the Brahmaputra. While run-of-the-river projects typically involve minimal water storage, the scale of the Etalin project and its location in a seismically active and ecologically sensitive zone raise significant environmental concerns. The project necessitates the diversion of 1,175 hectares of prime forest land, which is home to a rich tapestry of biodiversity, including subtropical pine forests, wet evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, montane wet temperate forests, and moist alpine scrub. The destruction of these forests will result in the felling of an estimated 2.7 lakh trees, further exacerbating the loss of habitat and contributing to climate change. The project also poses a direct threat to the local wildlife, which includes a diverse range of species, many of which are already facing habitat loss and fragmentation due to other development activities. Moreover, the project's impact on the local communities cannot be ignored. Eighteen villages and 216 households are expected to be directly affected by the project's land acquisition requirements. The displacement of these communities and the disruption of their traditional livelihoods will have significant social and economic consequences. The long-term impacts of the project on the local environment and communities need to be thoroughly assessed and mitigated to ensure that the project does not lead to irreversible damage and social unrest. The project proponents argue that the Etalin project will provide clean and renewable energy, contributing to India's energy security and economic development. However, the environmental and social costs of the project must be carefully weighed against its potential benefits. A sustainable development approach that prioritizes environmental protection and social equity is essential to ensure that the project benefits both the economy and the environment.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is under pressure to ensure that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the Etalin project is up-to-date and comprehensive. The original EIA report dates back to 2015, and the ministry's expert appraisal committee (EAC) has raised concerns about the validity of the data used in the report. The EAC has requested fresh baseline data to be collected and compared with the data collected in 2012 to ensure that the environmental impacts of the project are accurately assessed. The project developer, SJVN, has submitted updated baseline data for the winter season of December 2024 and the pre-monsoon period of April 2025. However, the EAC may still require additional data or a fresh public hearing to ensure that all concerns are adequately addressed. The ministry's office memorandums state that if the data collected for the preparation of an EIA report is over three years old, the proposal has to be referred back to the EAC for a relook. The need for a re-evaluation of the EIA stems from the fact that environmental conditions and the understanding of ecological processes can change over time. New scientific information may become available, or unforeseen consequences of previous development activities may become apparent. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the EIA is based on the most up-to-date information to accurately assess the environmental impacts of the project. A rigorous and transparent EIA process is critical to ensure that the Etalin project does not cause irreversible damage to the environment and the local communities. The assessment should consider all potential impacts, including the effects on water quality, air quality, biodiversity, and the socio-economic conditions of the local communities.
China's construction of the world's largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo river, known as the Brahmaputra in India, has added a new dimension to the environmental and geopolitical concerns surrounding the Etalin project. The Chinese project, which has a planned capacity of 60 gigawatts, is located upstream of the Etalin project and could potentially affect the water regime and security in the Brahmaputra basin downstream. The potential impacts of the Chinese project on the Brahmaputra river system include alterations in water flow, sediment transport, and water quality. These changes could have significant consequences for downstream ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihoods in India and Bangladesh. Concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency and consultation from China regarding the project. Information about the project's design, construction, and potential impacts has been limited, leading to uncertainty and anxiety in India and Bangladesh. The situation highlights the need for greater cooperation and data sharing between China and its downstream neighbors regarding transboundary water resources. A transboundary water treaty or agreement could help to ensure that the shared water resources are managed in a sustainable and equitable manner. Such an agreement should include provisions for data sharing, consultation, and dispute resolution. It should also recognize the rights and needs of all riparian countries and ensure that the benefits and burdens of water management are shared fairly. The construction of the Etalin project in this context raises questions about India's strategy for managing its water resources in the face of China's upstream hydropower development. The Indian government needs to carefully assess the potential cumulative impacts of both projects on the Brahmaputra river system. It also needs to develop a comprehensive water management plan that takes into account the needs of all stakeholders and ensures the long-term sustainability of the river system.
The Etalin project highlights the complex challenges of balancing development with environmental protection in a transboundary context. The project's environmental impacts need to be carefully assessed and mitigated to ensure that it does not cause irreversible damage to the fragile ecosystem of the Dibang Valley and the Brahmaputra river system. The social and economic impacts of the project on the local communities also need to be considered. The project developer needs to engage in meaningful consultations with the affected communities and ensure that they benefit from the project. The project's potential impacts on downstream water resources also need to be taken into account. India needs to work with China and Bangladesh to develop a comprehensive water management plan for the Brahmaputra river system that ensures the long-term sustainability of the river system and protects the interests of all stakeholders. The Etalin project presents an opportunity for India to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development and responsible water management. By carefully considering all potential impacts and engaging in meaningful consultations with all stakeholders, India can ensure that the project benefits both the economy and the environment. The project also serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in managing transboundary water resources. The challenges posed by the Etalin project require a comprehensive and integrated approach that takes into account the environmental, social, economic, and geopolitical dimensions. Such an approach should be based on the principles of sustainability, equity, and transparency. It should also involve the participation of all stakeholders, including governments, local communities, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Only through such a collaborative effort can we ensure that the Etalin project and other similar development projects contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.