Kalai-II Project & White-bellied Heron

The Union Environment Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has granted in-principle forest clearance to the Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project, a 1,200 MW hydropower project proposed on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh.

The project has generated attention because the Lohit River basin is one of the most important habitats of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron, one of the rarest bird species in the world.

Project Details

The project will be developed by THDC India Limited at an estimated cost of ₹14,176.26 crore.

Key Features:

• Installed Capacity: 1,200 MW
• Location: Anjaw District, bordering China
• Type: Run-of-the-river hydroelectric project
• Dam: 128.5-metre concrete gravity dam
• Power Generation: Underground powerhouse

Forest Diversion

The clearance permits diversion of approximately 869 hectares of forest land, including 638 hectares that will be submerged. Forest areas are located in Anjaw District and Namsai District forest divisions. 

Since Arunachal Pradesh already possesses forest cover over two-thirds of its geographical area, the FAC has approved compensatory afforestation in Madhya Pradesh.

Conditions Imposed by FAC

Recognizing the ecological sensitivity of the project area, the FAC directed that:

• A comprehensive wildlife management plan must be prepared.
• Special emphasis should be placed on conserving the habitat of the White-bellied Heron.
• A compliance report on all stipulated environmental conditions must be submitted before final clearance.

The White-bellied Heron is:

• The world’s second-largest heron species.
• One of the most threatened birds globally.
• Classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (Estimated global population: fewer than 60 individuals).
• Distribution: The species is found in India (mainly Assam and Arunachal Pradesh), Bhutan and Myanmar (small populations).

Source: IE & IUCN