Approval for hydro project on Siyang River tributary in Arunachal; 100,000 trees to be cut

The state government of Arunachal Pradesh has granted a pivotal approval for a hydroelectric scheme planned on a tributary of the Siyang River. The clearance, described as a key environmental and financial permit, allows the project to move forward after years of assessment. Officials said the scheme aims to harness the river's flow to generate renewable electricity for the region. However, the approval also includes a plan to clear roughly one lakh trees from the project area, raising concerns among environmental groups. The authorities have pledged to follow compensatory afforestation measures as mandated by law, but details on the timeline and exact location remain limited.