Editor,
Arunachal Pradesh is often called the green jewel of India. With more than 80% forest cover, our state is home to one of the richest biodiversity regions in the world. Our forests are not merely landscapes; they are the lifeline of indigenous communities, the source of mighty rivers, a carbon sink, and an ecological shield that benefits not only Arunachal but the entire nation.
Today, Arunachal stands at the centre of India’s hydropower and strategic infrastructure ambitions. Large hydropower projects such as the Kamala Hydroelectric Project (1720 mw), Kalai-II, Etalin, the proposed Siang Multipurpose Project, along with highways, transmission corridors, border roads projects and other infrastructure initiatives represent major investments aimed at strengthening India’s energy security, connectivity and national interest.
In districts such as Shi-Yomi, Upper Siang, West Siang, Kamle, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Dibang Valley, Lower Dibang Valley, Anjaw, West Kameng and several others, multiple hydropower projects are either under implementation or at various stages of development through agencies such as the NHPC, NEEPCO, SJVN, THDC and other developers.
Arunachal has an assessed hydropower potential of more than 58,000 mw, making the state a key contributor to India’s renewable energy vision.
No responsible citizen opposes development. Hydropower, roads and strategic infrastructure are essential for economic growth, national security and regional connectivity. Arunachal has always contributed generously towards the progress of the nation.
But every development has an environmental cost. Thousands of hectares of forest land have already been diverted or are proposed for diversion for various development projects across Arunachal. While each project follows its own approval process, the cumulative impact on forests, rivers, biodiversity and indigenous communities requires greater public attention.
This brings us to a serious question of ecological justice.
The Van (San Rakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023 allow compensatory afforestation outside a state under certain conditions. While such provisions may be legally permissible, the ecological consequences for a Himalayan state like Arunachal require deeper consideration.
The Kamala Hydroelectric Project (1,720 mw) provides an important example. As per available project documents, approximately 3,278.0904 hectares of unclassed state forest (USF) land is proposed for diversion for the project.
As per information received through the Right to Information (RTI) Act from the office of the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), the estimated net present value (NPV) assessed for the forest diversion under the Kamala Hydroelectric Project is Rs 4,709,534,135 (approximately 470.95 crore).
Further, as per available project documents, compensatory afforestation over approximately 6,556.1808 hectares (twice the diverted forest area) has been proposed in degraded forest land outside Arunachal, including Madhya Pradesh, with an estimated compensatory afforestation cost of around Rs 470.93 crore.
The legal framework may permit such arrangements, but it raises an important ecological question: if Arunachal’s forests are diverted for national development, but ecological restoration takes place outside the state, who will restore Arunachal’s own forests and ecosystems?
The forests of Arunachal are not simply a number of hectares. They represent biodiversity, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, climate regulation, indigenous traditions and the ecological security of future generations.
A plantation created in another geographical region cannot fully replace the ecological functions of an old-growth Himalayan forest. The loss of natural forests affects not only trees but also rivers, wildlife corridors, soil stability, local climate and the traditional relationship between indigenous communities and their environment.
The Kamala Hydroelectric Project is only one example. If similar patterns continue for other large hydropower and infrastructure projects across Arunachal, the state must have a clear strategy for long-term ecological restoration and conservation.
The benefits of these projects are national. Electricity generated from Arunachal’s rivers will contribute to India’s energy needs. Strategic roads and infrastructure will strengthen national security and connectivity.
However, the environmental responsibility must also be shared.
This is not an argument against development. It is an appeal for environmental justice, transparency and sustainable development.
Wherever scientifically and legally possible, compensatory afforestation and ecological restoration should receive priority within Arunachal itself. Environmental compensation generated from the state’s forests should substantially contribute towards:
- Restoration of degraded forests,
- Protection of biodiversity,
- Catchment area treatment,
- Conservation of river ecosystems, and
- Strengthening ecological security of affected regions.
A transparent mechanism should also ensure that citizens know:
- How much forest land is diverted.
- What environmental compensation is generated.
- Where compensatory afforestation is undertaken.
- How ecological restoration benefits reach the affected State and communities.
Development should not be measured only by megawatts generated or kilometres of roads constructed. It should also be measured by how responsibly we protect the natural heritage that sustains life.
Arunachal is contributing immensely to India’s development. It is only fair that the ecological future of the state receives equal importance.
The question is simple, but profound: If Arunachal is expected to sacrifice its forests for national development, who will restore Arunachal’s forests?
I hope this issue encourages a meaningful and constructive public discussion among policymakers, environmental experts, researchers and citizens.
Khyoda Appang,
Dariya Hill, Itanagar
