Arunachal: Public Hearing Held for Athunli Hydro Project
Public hearing for the 680 MW Athunli Hydro Electric Project sees participation from local stakeholders and affected families.
ANINI- A public hearing for the proposed Athunli Hydro Electric Project (680 MW) was conducted on April 1 at Government Primary School, Athunli, as part of the statutory process required for obtaining environmental clearance.
The hearing was organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board and chaired by Deputy Commissioner of Dibang Valley, Bekir Nyorak. The event saw participation from local residents, stakeholders, and Project Affected Families (PAFs), indicating community engagement in the consultation process.
During the proceedings, project consultants presented an overview of the proposed hydropower project, outlining key aspects of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The presentation focused on balancing development objectives with environmental safeguards and mitigation measures.
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According to officials, the project is envisioned as a significant addition to the region’s energy infrastructure, with an emphasis on renewable energy generation and long-term socio-economic benefits.
Project Affected Families present at the hearing expressed support for the initiative, with several participants highlighting expectations of improved infrastructure, employment opportunities, and overall regional development.
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The public hearing represents a critical step in the regulatory process, allowing stakeholders to voice concerns, seek clarifications, and record their positions before the project proceeds to the next stage of environmental clearance by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
If approved, the Athunli Hydro Electric Project would be the third major hydropower initiative in Dibang Valley, contributing to the broader strategy of harnessing the region’s hydroelectric potential.
Officials noted that the project is expected to play a role in strengthening local infrastructure and supporting economic activity, while also contributing to clean energy generation.
