FAC clears 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydro project in Arunachal Pradesh

The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has granted in-principle forest clearance to the 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project proposed on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh.

The approval allows diversion of around 869 hectares of forest land, including submergence of 638 hectares in the Anjaw and Namsai forest divisions. THDC India Limited is developing the Rs 14,176.26 crore run-of-the-river project in Anjaw district near the India-China border.

The project includes construction of a 128.5 metre concrete gravity dam and an underground powerhouse. The project is proposed in Kamgi village under Hayuliang subdivision and is designed to utilise a gross head of about 125 metres for power generation. Compensatory afforestation will be undertaken in Madhya Pradesh.

The Kalai-II project was earlier recommended for environmental clearance by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for River Valley and Hydroelectric Projects in December 2025.  

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.

However, the FAC directed that the wildlife management plan be reviewed by the Wildlife Institute of India and include specific measures for conservation of the White-Bellied Heron habitat. The ministry’s regional office also recommended preparation of a biodiversity conservation and wildlife mitigation plan due to possible impacts on wildlife movement.

The project is expected to generate about 4,852.95 million units annually and is targeted for completion within 78 months, according to earlier government project documents.

The featured photograph is for representation only.