FAC Clears 3,000+ Hectares of Forest for Mega Hydro, Coal Projects

The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has granted in-principle approval for the diversion of more than 3,000 hectares of forest land across multiple states to facilitate key infrastructure, hydropower, and mining projects.

The approvals cover major developments in Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Odisha, reflecting ongoing efforts to support energy generation and resource extraction projects. Among the notable clearances is the 680 MW Attunli Hydroelectric Project in Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, which requires the diversion of 261.53 hectares of forest land and the felling of more than 47,000 trees. The committee has also approved the 1,200 MW Kalai Hydroelectric Project Stage-II in Arunachal Pradesh, involving the diversion of 869.35 hectares of forest land.

In Chhattisgarh, the FAC granted Stage-I forest clearance for the Kente Extension Opencast Coal Mine and Integrated Washery project. The project entails the diversion of 1,742.6 hectares of forest land and the phased removal of nearly 449,000 trees to support coal mining expansion activities.

To mitigate environmental impacts, the committee has stipulated a range of safeguards, including biodiversity conservation and management plans, geological and ecological assessments, compensatory afforestation initiatives, and the development of forest restoration measures in degraded areas. These conditions are intended to balance infrastructure and industrial development with environmental protection and sustainable forest management.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.