Clearance given for 1200 MW Kalai II hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh

• 10 hours ago (2026-06-01)
• David Flin

Asia 1035 Hydropower 161

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The Indian Environment Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has granted approval in principle for clearance for the 1200 MW Kalai hydropower project proposed on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh, India.

The approval allows diversion of around 869 hectares of forest land, including the submergence of 638 hectares in the Anjaw and Namsai forest divisions. THDC India is developing the €1.3 billion run-of-river project in Anjaw district near the India-China border.

The project includes construction of a 128.5 m concrete gravity dam and an underground powerhouse. Compensatory afforestation will be undertaken in Madhya Pradesh.

The project area falls within the habitat landscape of the critically endangered White-Bellied Heron. During the FAC meeting on May 8, 2026, the Arunachal Pradesh government stated that the species had not been sighted in the diversion area. The FAC has said that the wildlife management plan will be reviewed by the Wildlife Institute of India and include specific measures for conservation of the White-Bellied Heron habitat.

The project is scheduled to be completed within 78 months.