EAC backs ToR for 3,810 MW hydro and PSP projects across six states

The Expert Appraisal Committee for River Valley and Hydroelectric Projects (EAC), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has recommended the grant of Terms of Reference (ToR) for five power projects with a combined capacity of 3,810 MW. The decisions were taken at the committee’s 51st meeting.

Seshachalam PSP, Andhra Pradesh – 600 MW
In Andhra Pradesh, ToR has been recommended for the 600 MW Seshachalam Pumped Storage Project in Tirupati district, proposed by Venika Jal Vidyuth LLP. The off-stream closed-loop scheme will have three units of 200 MW each, with 6 hours of storage and 3,600 MWh output. The project is estimated to cost Rs 2,712.56 crore and requires 137.44 hectares of land, including 74.96 hectares of forest land. Water will be sourced from the Kalangi Reservoir. The site is about 22 km from Pulicat Wildlife Sanctuary. The EAC has directed the submission of the Stage-I Forest Clearance application within the stipulated timeframe.

Dikchu HEP expansion, Sikkim – 110 MW
In Sikkim, the EAC has recommended the Standard ToR for expanding the Dikchu Hydroelectric Power Project from 96 MW to 110 MW. The project, developed by Sneha Kinetic Power Projects Private Limited, will utilise existing infrastructure designed with a 25% capacity margin. No additional land, submergence, or public consultation is required. The project is located 1.75 km from Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary but lies outside its Eco-Sensitive Zone. A compliance report dated December 15, 2025, has been submitted, and the EAC has waived the public hearing requirement.

Aruna Kolamb PSP, Maharashtra – 1,200 MW
In Maharashtra, ToR has been recommended for the 1,200 MW Aruna Kolamb Open Loop Pumped Storage Project by THDC India Limited. The project spans Kolhapur and Ratnagiri districts and will consist of four units of 300 MW each, with 6.14 hours of daily generation and an annual output of 2,556.37 million units. It is estimated to cost Rs 7,394.46 crore and requires 383.09 hectares of land, including 128.86 hectares of forest land. The project area falls within the Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area. The EAC has called for a site visit before considering Environmental Clearance. An MoU with the Government of Maharashtra was signed on September 3, 2024.

Sukhnai PSP, Uttar Pradesh – 1,000 MW
In Uttar Pradesh, the EAC has recommended ToR for the 1,000 MW Sukhnai Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Project in Mirzapur district, to be developed by Hinduja Renewables Energy Private Limited. The project is estimated to cost Rs 5,950 crore and will have four units of 250 MW each, delivering 6 hours of peak supply and generating 2,080.50 million units annually. It requires 277 hectares of land, including 243 hectares of forest land, with water drawn from the Belan River. Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is about 11.7 km away. The developer has been asked to expedite the Stage-I Forest Clearance application.

Chhadgada PSP, Uttar Pradesh – 900 MW
Also in Uttar Pradesh, ToR has been recommended for the 900 MW Chhadgada Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Project by GSC PSP Uttar Private Limited, spanning Mirzapur and Prayagraj districts. The project will have four units and is expected to generate 1,884.20 million units annually. Estimated at Rs 3,580.37 crore, it requires 292.4 hectares of land, including 228.9 hectares of forest land. Initial water filling will be from the Belan River. The nearest protected area, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, is about 18.5 km away. The proponent has been directed to file forest clearance applications within the stipulated period.

Across all five projects, the EAC has imposed standard conditions, including submission of 10-year certified water availability data, environmental cost-benefit analysis, greenhouse gas emission estimates, muck disposal plans, native plantation programmes, and socio-economic and tribal development studies. The committee also stated that no project will be considered for final Environmental Clearance without submission of forest clearance applications, where applicable.

The featured photograph is for representation only.