📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prabhat_nhpc
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NHPC seeks forest clearance to fell 2.3 million trees for Arunachal hydro project
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 22 Oct 2026, 02:33 AM
👁 12
NHPC has applied to the forest department for permission to cut more than 23 lakh trees as part of a new hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh.
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has formally requested forest clearance to fell over 23 lakh trees for a hydroelectric project slated in Arunachal Pradesh. The application, submitted to the state forest department, outlines the scale of vegetation removal required to construct the dam and associated infrastructure.
According to the filing, the tree felling is essential to create the reservoir and access roads for the project, which aims to boost power generation capacity in the northeast region. NHPC has indicated that it will comply with all statutory guidelines and undertake compensatory afforestation measures as mandated by law.
Environmental groups have previously flagged concerns over large‑scale deforestation in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan state. The clearance request now puts the project under close scrutiny, with authorities expected to balance developmental goals against forest conservation imperatives.
The outcome of the clearance process will determine whether the hydro project proceeds as planned, potentially adding significant renewable energy capacity while also impacting the region's forest cover.
According to the filing, the tree felling is essential to create the reservoir and access roads for the project, which aims to boost power generation capacity in the northeast region. NHPC has indicated that it will comply with all statutory guidelines and undertake compensatory afforestation measures as mandated by law.
Environmental groups have previously flagged concerns over large‑scale deforestation in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan state. The clearance request now puts the project under close scrutiny, with authorities expected to balance developmental goals against forest conservation imperatives.
The outcome of the clearance process will determine whether the hydro project proceeds as planned, potentially adding significant renewable energy capacity while also impacting the region's forest cover.