Itanagar, April 1 A public hearing for the proposed 680-MW Athunli hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley district was held on Wednesday, a key step towards securing environmental clearance, officials said.
The hearing, organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), was chaired by Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Bekir Nyorak at Anini, they said.
The hearing saw the participation of local residents, families affected by the project, and other stakeholders, they added.
The project consultant presented a detailed overview based on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and Environmental Management Plan (EMP), outlining the key features, environmental safeguards, and the anticipated socio-economic benefits for the region.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu thanked the people of the district for their participation in the hearing.
"This will be the third major hydropower project in Dibang Valley, driving economic growth, generating employment, strengthening infrastructure, and producing clean, green energy," he said in a social media post.