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4 Jan 2026·Source: The Indian Express
2 min
Environment & EcologyEnvironment & EcologyEconomyNEWS

Kalai-II Hydropower Project Approved in Arunachal Pradesh, Threatening White-Bellied Heron Habitat

Arunachal Pradesh's Kalai-II hydropower project gets approval, raising concerns for the critically endangered white-bellied heron.

Kalai-II Hydropower Project Approved in Arunachal Pradesh, Threatening White-Bellied Heron Habitat

Photo by Kishan Trivedi

The Kalai-II hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh has received approval, raising significant environmental concerns due to its location within the habitat of the critically endangered white-bellied heron. This large hydropower project, planned on the Dibang River basin, poses a direct threat to the heron's nesting and foraging grounds, which are already under pressure from habitat loss.

Environmentalists and conservation groups are alarmed, highlighting the potential irreversible impact on biodiversity in the Eastern Himalayas, a global biodiversity hotspot. The approval underscores the ongoing conflict between development projects and environmental conservation, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like Arunachal Pradesh, which is home to unique flora and fauna.

Key Facts

1.

Kalai-II hydroelectric project approved in Arunachal Pradesh

2.

Located in habitat of critically endangered white-bellied heron

3.

Project on Dibang River basin

4.

Concerns raised by environmentalists over biodiversity impact

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and its effectiveness

2.

Conservation status of critically endangered species (IUCN Red List)

3.

Biodiversity hotspots and their significance (Eastern Himalayas)

4.

Hydropower policy and sustainable energy development

5.

Conflict between development and conservation in ecologically sensitive areas

6.

Role of state and central governments in environmental clearances

7.

Geography of Arunachal Pradesh and the Dibang River basin

Visual Insights

Kalai-II Hydropower Project: Location & Critically Endangered Heron Habitat

This map illustrates the location of the proposed Kalai-II Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting its proximity to the critically endangered White-Bellied Heron's habitat within the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot. This project exemplifies the development vs. environment conflict in ecologically sensitive regions.

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📍Kalai-II Hydropower Project (Proposed)📍White-Bellied Heron Habitat📍Arunachal Pradesh

Ecological Sensitivity: White-Bellied Heron & Arunachal Pradesh

This dashboard provides key statistics highlighting the critical status of the White-Bellied Heron and the ecological importance of Arunachal Pradesh, contextualizing the environmental concerns surrounding the Kalai-II project.

White-Bellied Heron Global Population
<50 individuals (Estimated)

Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List). One of the rarest birds globally, highly sensitive to habitat disturbance. Its survival is directly threatened by projects like Kalai-II.

Arunachal Pradesh Hydropower Potential
~50,000 MW

Highest in India, making the state a focus for hydropower development. This potential often clashes with its ecological fragility.

Arunachal Pradesh Forest Cover
>80% (Approx.)

One of India's greenest states, part of the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot. Large projects lead to significant forest submergence and fragmentation.

IUCN Red List Status of White-Bellied Heron
Critically Endangered

Highest risk category before Extinct in the Wild. Indicates an extremely high risk of extinction.

More Information

Background

The Eastern Himalayas, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, is a region of immense biodiversity and significant hydropower potential. India's growing energy demands have led to a push for large-scale hydroelectric projects in this sensitive zone.

Historically, there has been a tension between harnessing these natural resources for development and preserving the unique ecological heritage, often leading to conflicts with local communities and environmental groups. Past projects like the Dibang Multipurpose Project have also faced similar scrutiny.

Latest Developments

The recent approval of the Kalai-II hydroelectric project on the Dibang River basin in Arunachal Pradesh exemplifies this ongoing conflict. The project is situated within the critical habitat of the white-bellied heron, a critically endangered species. This approval has triggered alarm among environmentalists and conservationists who fear irreversible damage to the region's biodiversity, highlighting the challenges in balancing infrastructure development with environmental protection in biodiversity hotspots.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis): 1. It is classified as 'Critically Endangered' on the IUCN Red List. 2. Its primary habitat includes the high-altitude wetlands of the Western Ghats. 3. Hydropower projects and habitat loss are significant threats to its survival. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct. The White-bellied Heron is indeed classified as 'Critically Endangered' by the IUCN. Statement 2 is incorrect. Its primary habitat is in the Eastern Himalayas and parts of Southeast Asia, not the Western Ghats. Statement 3 is correct. Hydropower projects, habitat destruction, and degradation are major threats to this species, as highlighted by the Kalai-II project.

2. In the context of hydropower development in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Dibang River, on which the Kalai-II project is planned, is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River. 2. Arunachal Pradesh is often referred to as the 'Powerhouse of India' due to its vast hydropower potential. 3. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a statutory requirement for all large-scale hydropower projects in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

Statement 1 is correct. The Dibang River originates in Arunachal Pradesh and is a significant tributary of the Brahmaputra River. Statement 2 is correct. Arunachal Pradesh possesses the largest hydropower potential in India, earning it the moniker 'Powerhouse of India'. Statement 3 is correct. Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and subsequent notifications, EIA is a mandatory legal procedure for various developmental projects, including large hydropower projects, to assess their potential environmental impacts before approval.

3. Which of the following statements best describes the 'Eastern Himalayas' as a biodiversity hotspot?

  • A.It is characterized by dry deciduous forests and is known for its tiger population.
  • B.It is recognized for its unique high-altitude desert ecosystems and snow leopard habitat.
  • C.It is one of the world's richest biodiversity regions, featuring diverse ecosystems from tropical forests to alpine meadows, and is home to many endemic species.
  • D.It is primarily a marine biodiversity hotspot, known for its coral reefs and mangrove forests.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C correctly describes the Eastern Himalayas. It is indeed one of the global biodiversity hotspots, characterized by a wide range of ecosystems, high species richness, and a significant number of endemic species, including many threatened ones. Option A describes regions like Central India. Option B describes regions like Trans-Himalayas. Option D describes coastal or marine regions.

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