White-bellied Heron and Kalai-II Project

White‑bellied Heron (Ardea insignis)
Common names: Imperial heron, Great white‑bellied heron
Conservation status: Critically Endangered (IUCN) and Schedule‑I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Population: Fewer than 60 individuals worldwide; ~45% of the global population in Bhutan; the Indian population is confined to Arunachal Pradesh (Lohit, Anjaw, Changlang districts) and recorded in Namdapha and Kamlang Tiger Reserves.
Habitat: Fast‑flowing, free‑riverine Himalayan streams with low human disturbance; feeds on fish in rapids.
Ecological role: Bio‑indicator of Himalayan freshwater ecosystem health.

Kalai‑II Hydropower Project
Capacity: 1,200 MW (run‑of‑river with small pondage).
Location: Lohit River, Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh (right‑bank tributary of the Brahmaputra).
Developer: THDC India Limited (central PSU), transferred from a private developer in 2023‑24.
Status: Environmental Clearance (EC) granted despite concerns over omission of impact on the white‑bellied heron.
Key features: Minimal storage, but still alters river flow and habitat continuity.

The Lohit River originates in the Kangri Karpo range (Tibet) and traverses protected areas such as Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary and Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary before joining the Brahmaputra.
Arunachal Pradesh hosts several stalled hydropower projects; the central government has reassigned 13 of them to PSUs to accelerate execution, reflecting a strategic push for renewable energy.
The white‑bellied heron requires undisturbed, fast‑moving water; dam construction leads to habitat fragmentation, reduced fish availability, and increased human disturbance—direct threats to its survival.

Biodiversity conservation vs. energy security: The case exemplifies the policy dilemma of meeting India's renewable‑energy targets while safeguarding endemic, critically endangered species.
Legal implications: Failure to incorporate species‑specific impact assessments may breach provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act (Schedule‑I protection) and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (mandatory EIA).
Institutional oversight: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and State Pollution Control Boards are empowered to review ECs; any lapse can lead to judicial intervention.
International commitments: Protecting Schedule‑I species aligns with India’s obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and CITES.

Article 48A of the Constitution – Directive Principle to protect and improve the environment.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule‑I species receive the highest level of protection; any project affecting them requires stringent clearance.
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 – Provides the legal basis for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notifications.
Forest Conservation Act, 1980 – Regulates diversion of forest land for non‑forestry projects.
National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 – Enables speedy adjudication of environmental disputes.

Prepared for UPSC prelims and mains preparation.