Arunachal Pradesh green-lights 1,000 MW hydropower project despite forest clearance concerns

The Naying hydroelectric project has received initial clearance from authorities in Arunachal Pradesh, marking another major infrastructure development in the resource-rich northeastern state. The 1,000-megawatt facility is planned for construction across the Shi Yomi and Siang districts, leveraging the region's significant hydropower potential.

The project will utilize approximately 470 hectares of unclassified forest land, necessitating the felling of more than 100,000 trees to make way for the facility and associated infrastructure. Environmental assessments indicate the scale of forest clearance required for the hydropower installation.

The approval comes as Arunachal Pradesh continues to pursue large-scale hydroelectric projects to meet growing electricity demands across India and generate revenue through power generation. The state has positioned itself as a key contributor to national renewable energy targets, with multiple hydropower schemes at various stages of planning and execution.

The preliminary nod signals progression through initial regulatory hurdles, though the project will likely require additional environmental and social impact clearances before construction can commence. Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for full project commencement or completion.