The 1,000 MW Naying hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh has received environmental clearance from the central expert panel, marking a key step forward for one of the major hydropower projects planned in the Northeast region.

The Environmental Clearance Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has recommended that the environmental clearance for the project should be approved. This project is being undertaken by North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO). The proposed project site is situated on Siyom River at Siang and Shi-Yomi districts in Arunachal Pradesh.

The proposed project is expected to help the Indian government develop its renewable energy projects. As an upcoming hydropower project with a generation capacity of 1,000 MW, this project will help in utilizing the river power potential in the area.

The project is going to have an investment of more than ₹11,800 crore, which requires utilization of more than 470 hectares of land. The environmental clearance is provided under certain conditions regarding the protection of the environment and biodiversity conservation.

The approval process also considered the project’s potential impact on local communities. The development will involve land acquisition affecting multiple villages, requiring rehabilitation and resettlement measures for impacted families. The project authorities will need to implement these measures along with environmental management plans as part of the clearance conditions.

The Naying Hydroelectric Project is expected to support the power requirements of the region while improving energy infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh. Hydropower projects in the Northeast have been considered important for improving grid stability and increasing renewable electricity generation due to the region’s significant water resources.

The project’s location near the India-China border area further demonstrates the significance of the infrastructure projects in border areas from a strategic standpoint. Nevertheless, the energy development aspect needs to be balanced with environmental issues due to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem of Arunachal Pradesh.

The environmental clearance allows the project to move ahead with further approvals and implementation activities. The development of the Naying project is expected to add to Arunachal Pradesh’s growing role in India’s hydropower sector while contributing to the country’s broader clean energy transition goals.