Proposed 1,720 MW Kamala hydropower project requires 3,278 hectares of forest land across three districts, raising environmental concerns.
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has sought forest clearance to divert approximately 3,278 hectares of forest land in Arunachal Pradesh for its proposed 1,720 MW Kamala Hydroelectric Project. If approved, the proposal could involve the felling of an estimated 23,40,213 trees across Kamle, Kra Daadi and Kurung Kumey districts.
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s Forest Advisory Committee was scheduled to consider the proposal on October 23, 2026. The forest clearance remains pending, making the decision a significant step in determining the project’s future.
Planned on the Kamala River a tributary of the Subansiri River in the Brahmaputra basin the project is designed as a run of the river cum storage scheme. It includes a 216 metre high concrete gravity dam and an underground powerhouse with eight 210 MW units and one 40 MW auxiliary unit. The project is expected to generate approximately 6,870 million units of electricity annually in a dependable year.
The proposed forest diversion includes around 439 hectares of very dense forest and 1,119 hectares of moderately dense forest. While the project promises additional electricity generation, its potential environmental and social consequences have raised concerns among experts and affected communities.
The project has received a recommendation for environmental clearance from the ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee, subject to obtaining in principle forest clearance. The panel also expressed concern over tree felling in very dense forest areas and called for a detailed ecosystem restoration and biodiversity management plan.
A site inspection reportedly found that the project area does not fall within a national park, wildlife sanctuary, biosphere reserve or elephant corridor. However, the assessment warned that the expanded submerged area could affect wildlife habitats and obstruct animal movement between riverbanks. Field surveys recorded 155 plant species belonging to 69 families, highlighting the ecological diversity of the region.
Public hearings held in 2025 also raised concerns about the loss of traditional fishing grounds, submergence of culturally significant sites, potential landslides slope instability, disposal of excavated material and impacts on grazing areas.
As the clearance process continues, the extent of forest loss, protection of biodiversity, compensation arrangements and safeguards for local livelihoods remain key considerations. The final decision will determine how the proposed hydropower development proceeds amid competing priorities of electricity generation, environmental conservation and community welfare.