Environmental Clearance for Oju Hydroelectric Project

The Union Environment Ministry's expert panel has recommended environmental clearance for the 2,220 MW Oju hydroelectric project on the Subansiri river in Taksing, near the China border.

Project Details

• It is the largest project in terms of approved capacity among hydroelectric projects in the Subansiri basin.
• Other planned projects in the basin include Niare, Naba, Nalo, Dengser, Upper Subansiri, and Lower Subansiri.
• The project will be developed by Oju Subansiri Hydro Power Corporation Pvt Ltd.
• Location: 5 km downstream of Redi village in Taksing block, Upper Subansiri district.
• Main power plant capacity: 2,100 MW.
• Dam-toe plant capacity: 120 MW.

Environmental Impact and Studies

• An environment impact assessment report has been conducted for the project.
• The project will require the diversion of 750 hectares of forest land, with around 43 hectares to be submerged.
• Nine families will be displaced due to the project.
• A public hearing was conducted in August at Redi village.

Cumulative Impact Assessment Concerns

• Assam-based environmentalist Bimal Gogoi raised concerns about outdated cumulative impact assessment (CIA) and carrying capacity study (CCS) as they date back to 2014.
• The EAC acknowledged the outdated data but accepted the submissions after detailed deliberations on hydrology and ecological flow data.

Safety and Risk Assessments

• A detailed glacial lake flood assessment, including the identification of dangerous lakes and dam-break analysis, was conducted.
• The panel emphasized the need for design flood estimation to include glacial lake flood scenarios.