APSPCB holds public hearing for 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh

Guwahati: The Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) on Wednesday conducted a public hearing for environmental clearance to the proposed 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project in Anjaw district, being developed by THDC India Limited.

The hearing, chaired by Anjaw deputy commissioner Millo Kojin, saw the participation of Women and Child Development minister Dasanglu Pul, THDC officials and over 350 project-affected persons (PAFs) from 33 villages.

Pul, recalling that her late husband and former chief minister Kalikho Pul had initiated survey work for Kalai-I and II in 2009, said she was glad to see his vision nearing reality.


Urging locals to back the project, she cited Uttarakhand’s Tehri dam as an example of the benefits of large hydropower infrastructure. She also assured that 50% of the project’s employment opportunities would be reserved for land-affected families, besides boosting self-employment and entrepreneurship in the region.

With an investment of nearly Rs 14,000 crore, Kalai-II is expected to generate free power worth Rs 318 crore annually after commissioning, while contributing Rs 2.2 crore every year to the Local Area Development Fund. Officials said the project, one of 13 stalled hydro schemes revived last year through MoAs signed with four central PSUs, will create around 1,700 direct jobs and spur development through roads, healthcare, education and allied services.

During the hearing, APSPCB officials explained the clearance process, while THDC and its consultant WAPCOS Ltd presented details of the project’s environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures.

While most speakers backed the project, concerns were raised by some over land rates, compensation, employment and local area development.

Summing up, DC Kojin assured villagers that their suggestions would be reflected in the minutes and proposed exposure visits for two representatives from each affected village to Uttarakhand’s Tehri dam.