Environmental Clearance for Oju Project

• Environmental Clearance: The Union Environment Ministry's expert panel has recommended environmental clearance for the Oju hydroelectric project (2,220 MW) on the Subansiri river, which will be the largest project in the Subansiri basin.

• Project Details: The Oju project is located near the China border, 5 km downstream of Redi village in Upper Subansiri district, developed by Oju Subansiri Hydro Power Corporation Pvt Ltd. The main plant will have a capacity of 2,100 MW, and a secondary plant will be 120 MW.

• Environmental Impact: The project will require the diversion of 750 hectares of forest land, with 43 hectares being submerged, and will displace nine families from their homes.

• Studies Reviewed: Concerns were raised by environmentalist Bimal Gogoi regarding the outdated cumulative impact assessment study (CIA) and carrying capacity study (CCS), which were last completed in 2014. Although the Expert Appraisal Committee acknowledged the 10-year-old data, they opted to proceed based on the developer's submissions.

• Public Hearing: A public hearing for the project occurred in August at Redi village, which is part of the procedure required under environmental laws.

• Safety Evaluations: A comprehensive glacial lake flood assessment and dam-break analysis were conducted. However, the panel emphasized that design flood estimations should incorporate glacial lake flood scenarios.

• Legal Context: This decision falls under the purview of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and is guided by regulations ensuring environmental protection amidst developmental projects.

This project is significant as it reflects ongoing efforts in India to increase renewable energy capacity while navigating environmental concerns and the displacement of local communities.