The Union Environment Ministry's Forest Advisory Committee has granted in-principle approval to the 1,200 MW Kalai II hydropower project on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh, despite concerns from conservationists about its impact on one of the world's rarest birds, the critically endangered white-bellied heron.Fewer than 60 individuals are believed to survive globally, with only six to nine estimated to remain in Arunachal Pradesh.

Experts say the species depends on clear, shallow and fast-flowing rivers for feeding and has limited ability to adapt to habitat changes, making it especially vulnerable to river modification.Around 33,338 trees are expected to be felled for the project in the ecologically sensitive Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot.

Although the Forest Advisory Committee directed that the Wildlife Institute of India review the project's Wildlife Management Plan with special attention to the bird, conservationists noted that the species was omitted from the Environmental Impact Assessment because it was reportedly not recorded directly at the project site, despite documented sightings upstream.

Scientists have also questioned the decision to compensate for forest loss through afforestation in Madhya Pradesh, arguing that forests there cannot replace the unique ecological conditions of Arunachal Pradesh.Besides the white-bellied heron, species such as the takin, large Indian civet, Assamese macaque and jungle cat may also be affected.The project is expected to impact approximately 33 villages.

While the government has highlighted improved infrastructure, employment opportunities and compensation for local residents, several community members have opposed the project over concerns about land loss, environmental damage and alleged shortcomings in the environmental assessment process.Public consultations also raised issues relating to biodiversity surveys, pollution and long-term ecological impacts.