Arunachal Clears 2,733 Hectares of Forest for Subansiri Hydro Project

Arunachal Pradesh authorities have cleared 2,733 hectares of forest land to facilitate the Subansiri hydroelectric project, a move that has attracted scrutiny from environmental groups. The Subansiri project is a key component of the state’s strategy to boost power generation and support regional development.\n\nThe cleared area spans across several forested zones along the Subansiri River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, and is intended to accommodate infrastructure such as dams, powerhouses, and transmission lines.\n\nLocal communities and conservationists have voiced concerns about the loss of biodiversity, potential displacement of wildlife, and the long‑term ecological consequences of large‑scale deforestation. They argue that the project could disrupt riverine ecosystems and affect livelihoods that depend on forest resources.\n\nState officials maintain that the clearance was conducted in accordance with environmental clearance procedures and that mitigation measures will be implemented to offset the impact. They emphasize that the project is essential for meeting the growing electricity demand in the northeastern region.