Expert committee nod for 2,200-MW Oju hydel project near China border

However, last month, Assam-based environmentalist and activist Bimal Gogoi had written to the panel, saying that cumulative impact assessment study (CIA) and carrying capacity study (CCS) — which scrutinise impact of multiple hydel projects on river basins — on Subansiri river basin was dated as it was completed in 2014, and sought that these be updated.

According to the minutes of its September 12 meeting, the EAC noted that the studies of the Subansiri basin were completed in 2014, and the data used therein was now more than 10 years old. However, it said that after detailed deliberations on hydrology and ecological flow data, it accepted submissions made by the project proponent in this regard.

The Oju project is proposed on the Subansiri river, 5 km downstream of Redi village of Taksing block in Upper Subansiri district, and it will be developed by Oju Subansiri Hydro Power Corporation Pvt Ltd. The main power plant will have a capacity of 2,100 MW while the dam-toe plant will have a capacity of 120MW. The project will require diversion of 750 hectares of forest land, and around 43 hectares will be submerged. Nine families will be displaced. The mandatory public hearing for the project was held last August at Redi village.

The developer said a detailed glacial lake flood assessment was done, including identification of dangerous lakes, and dam-break analysis. However, the panel emphasised design flood estimation should include glacial lake flood scenarios.