Question : CLEARANCE TO POWER PROJECTS

(a) whether the environment clearance to a mega hydel project has been granted by the Government on Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has been apprised by several quarters about the negative impact of the said project on ecology, wildlife and also the livelihoods of people living in the area;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to minimise the loss to environment and bio-diversity of the region and ensure proper rehabilitation of people affected by the project?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a)& (b) Environment clearance to Demwe Lower 1750 MW Hydro Power Project on Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh has been granted on 12.02.2010.

(c)to (e) The environment clearance to this project has been accorded after a thorough scrutiny and review of the project proposal by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for River Valley and Hydro Power Projects. Various representations received in respect of this project were considered by the EAC. A public hearing for the project was also conducted in Lohit and Anjaw Districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The issues of ecology, wildlife, R&R and livelihoods of people in the area have been considered in detail by EAC as well as the Forest Advisory Committee and National Board of Wildlife and appropriate conditions have been incorporated in environment and forest clearances. The Rehabilitation & Resettlement package prepared by Government of Arunachal Pradesh is applicable for the project affected people.