Oju Hydroelectric Project

An expert panel from the Union Environment Ministry has recommended environmental clearance for the 2,220 MW Oju hydroelectric project.

Location and Capacity

• Proposed on the Subansiri river in Taksing near the China border.
• Largest among the planned hydroelectric projects in the Subansiri basin.
• Other projects include Niare, Naba, Nalo, Dengser, Upper Subansiri, and Lower Subansiri.

Project Details

• Developed by Oju Subansiri Hydro Power Corporation Pvt Ltd.
• Main power plant capacity: 2,100 MW.
• Dam-toe plant capacity: 120 MW.
• Requires diversion of 750 hectares of forest land.
• Approximately 43 hectares will be submerged.
• Displacement of nine families.

Environmental Concerns and Assessments

Assam-based environmental activist Bimal Gogoi highlighted issues with outdated studies:

• Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) and Carrying Capacity Study (CCS) last completed in 2014.
• The expert appraisal committee (EAC) accepted submissions after reviewing hydrology and ecological flow data.

Public Hearing and Safety Measures

• A mandatory public hearing took place last August at Redi village.
• Conducted a detailed glacial lake flood assessment and dam-break analysis.
• Design flood estimation should factor in glacial lake flood scenarios as emphasized by the panel.