NGT halts Tawang hydro power project

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has suspended the Union Environment Ministry’s clearance for hydro power project in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
• The clearance by the centre was granted in 2012. This move was particularly aimed at protecting the vulnerable black-necked crane in the region.

About this project

• The Tawang – II hydroelectric of 800MW project in Arunachal Pradesh was launched under he National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
• The Project was set up on the Tawangchu River, downstream of Forebridge near Jang in Arunachal Pradesh.
• This Project was supposed to benefit all the States of Northeast and may generate 3622 million units annually.

About black-necked crane:

• Black-necked crane is a species that breeds on the Tibetan plateau and migrates to Tawang for the winter.
• The bird, most commonly found in China, is legally protected in Bhutan and India and is considered sacred to certain Buddhist traditions.
• This species is classified as Vulnerable because it has a single small population that is in decline owing to the loss and degradation of wetlands, and changing agricultural practices in both its breeding and wintering grounds. However, the population has apparently increased in recent years, and if these increases prove to be genuine and sustained then downlisting to a lower threat category may be appropriate.
• It is also listed in India’s Wildlife Act as a Schedule 1 species, which gives animals and birds the highest legal protection.

By: Vishal