This annual overview tracks the minutes of meetings held by Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for River Valley and Hydropower Projects between 20 December 2023 and 31 December 2024 for consideration of Dams, Hydroelectric Power (HEP), Pumped Storage Hydro Projects (PSP) and Irrigation related proposals seeking Terms of Reference (TOR) and Environment Clearance (EC) approvals. The analysis also covers various water projects related proposals considered by the Forest Appraisal Committee (FAC) between 15 December 2023 and 26 December 2024 for Forest Clearances (FC).
Our previous overview reports on the EAC and FAC decisions regarding dams, hydro power, irrigation related projects can be seen by clicking the links for 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
2024 EAC Decisions:
North India
| SN | Project Name Cap. In Mw | Developer | District/ State | River/ Basin | Meeting Date | Proposal | Decisions |
| 1 | Uri-I Stage-II HEP 240 Mw | NHPC | Baramula/ Jammu & Kashmir | Jhelum/ Indus | 13 Aug. 2024 | For EC | More Info. Sought |
| 2 | Karcham Wangtoo HEP 1000 Mw | JSW Hydro Energy Ltd | Kinnaur/ Himachal Pradesh | Sutlej | 29 April 2024 | MDC constitution | MDC ToR Suggested |
| 3 | Shongtong-Karcham 402 Mw | HPPCL | Kinnaur/ Himachal Pradesh | Sutlej | 18-19 July 2024 | Discussion on EAC Sub Com. Site visit report | More Info. Sought |
| 4 | Kutehr HEP 240 Mw | JSW Energy (Kutehr) Ltd | Chamba/ Himachal Pradesh | Ravi | 18-19 July 2024 | For extension in validity of EC | EC is valid till 10 Jan. 2027 |
| 5 | Thana Plaun HEP 191 Mw | HPPCL | Mandi/ Himachal Pradesh | Beas | 13 Sept. 2024 | For EC | More Info. Sought |
| 6 | Phata Byung HEP 76 Mw | Mandakini Jal Urja Pvt Ltd | Rudraprayag/ Uttarakhand | Mandakani/ Alaknanda | 20 March 2024 | For ToR | Approved without Public Hearing |
| 27 Sept. 2024 | Site visit report | Approved | |||||
| 7 | CIA & CCS of Yamuna River Basin | Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education | Uttarakhand / Himachal Pradesh | Yamuna/ Ganga | 18-19 July 2024 | For Additional/ ToR | More Info Sought |
| 8 | UP01 Off-Stream Closed Loop PSP 3660 Mw | GREENKO Energy Pvt. Ltd. | Sonbhadra/ Uttar Pradesh | Sone/ Ganga | 19-20 Dec. 2023 | For EC | Approved |
| 9 | Kandhaura PSP 1680 Mw | JSW Energy PSP Six Ltd | Sonbhadra/ Uttar Pradesh | Sone/ Ganga | 19-20 Dec. 2023 | For ToR | CEA’s comment sought |
| 28 Feb. 2024 | Approved | ||||||
| 20 March 2024 | Reconsideration of ToR | Reaffirmed Approval | |||||
| 30-31 Aug. 2024 | Amendment in ToR | Approved | |||||
| 10 | Chichlik PSP 1560 Mw | Avaada Waterbattery Pvt Ltd | Sonbhadra/ Uttar Pradesh | Sone/ Ganga | 20 March 2024 | For ToR | More Info Sought |
| 29 April 2024 | Approved | ||||||
| 11 | Musakhand PSP 600 Mw | Acme Cleantech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. | Chandauli/ Uttar Pradesh | Karam-nasa/ Ganga | 27 June 2024 | Amendments in ToR | Project With-drawan |
| Acme Urja Two Pvt. Ltd. | 19 Dec. 2024 | Approved | |||||
| 12 | Jhariya PSP 1620 Mw | Jhariya Ananturja Pvt Ltd | Sonbhadra/ Uttar Pradesh | Sone/ Ganga | 18-19 July 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 13 | Panaura PSP 1500 Mw | Adani Green Energy Ltd | Sonbhadra/ Uttar Pradesh | Sone/ Ganga | 18-19 July 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 14 | Panchnad Major Irrigation Scheme | Irrigation Dept. UP | Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh | Yamuna/ Ganga | 05 Nov. 2024 | For ToR | Site Visit Planned |
Of 7 proposals considered from Northwest Himalayan states 6 were for HEP projects and 1 proposal for Cumulative Impact Assessment and Carrying Capacity Study (CIA & CCS) of Yamuna River Basin regarding which the EAC has sought more information.
The EAC during 29 April 2024 meeting has suggested ToR for constitution of multi-disciplinary committee (MDC) for 1000 Mw Karcham Wangtoo HEP in Kinnuar, Himachal Pradesh. The EAC first on 20 March 2024 approved ToR for controversial Phata Byung HEP on Mandakani river in Uttarakhand without any public hearing and then cleared the site visit report for the 76 Mw project on 27 Sept. 2024.
Of the 7 proposals considered from Uttar Pradesh 6 were for PSPs and 1 proposal for ToR of Pachnad major irrigation project. The EAC approved ToR for all 5 PSPs proposals and also during 19-20 December 2023 meetings granted EC to UP01 Off-Stream Closed Loop PSP in Sonbhadra district on Sone river in Ganga basin. It is worth noting that EAC had approved amendment in ToR proposal for the 3660 Mw PSP during 15 February 2023 meeting however the minutes of 11 November 2023 revealed that the project proponent (PP) GREENKO Energy Pvt. Ltd. had withdrawn the proposal. It is surprising that how has the EAC granted EC to the PSP when the PP had withdrawn its proposal.
Northeast & East India
| SN | Project Name Cap. In Mw | Developer | District/ State | River/ Basin | Meeting Date | Proposal | Decisions |
| 1 | Oju HEP 1878 Mw | Oju Subansiri Hydro Power Corp. Pvt. Ltd. | Upper Subansiri/ Arunachal Pradesh | Subansiri/ Brahmaputra | 19-20 Dec. 2023 | For Amendment in ToR | Approved |
| 2 | Attunli HEP 680 Mw | SJVNL | Upper Dibang Valley/ Arunachal Pradesh | Tangon river/ Mahananda | 09 Feb. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 3 | CIA & CCS of Tirap Basin. | Arunachal Pradesh | 09 Feb. 2024 | For inclusion of Chinglum HEP in Subansiri Basin | PP was asked to approach MoEF | ||
| 4 | Kalai II HEP 1200 Mw | THDC India Ltd. | Anjaw, Arunachal Pradesh | Lohit/ Brahmaputra | 29 April 2024 | For ToR | More Info. Sought |
| 27 June 2024 | Approved | ||||||
| 5 | Kamala HEP 1720 Mw | NHPC | Lower Subansiri/ Arunachal Pradesh | Kamla/ Subansiri | 27 June 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 6 | Naying HEP 1000 Mw | NEEPCO | Shi Yomi & Siang, Arunachal Pradesh | Siyom/ Brahmaputra | 27 June 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 7 | Subansiri Upper HEP | NHPC | Upper Subansiri/ Arunachal Pradesh | Subansiri | 18-19 July 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 8 | Rangit II HEP 66 Mw | Sikkim Hydro Power Ventures Ltd | West Sikkim/ Sikkim | Rimbi Khola/ Rathong Chhu/ Rangit | 13 Sept. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 9 | Teesta III HEP 1200 Mw | Sikkim Urja Limited | North District, Sikkim | Teesta/ Brahmaputra | 30 Nov. 2024 | For Amendment in EC | More Info. Sought |
| 31 Dec. 2024 | Consideration of Site Visit Report | Approved | |||||
| 10 | Myntdu Leshka HEP Stage II 210 Mw | Meghalaya Power Generation Corp Ltd | East/ West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya | Myntdu River | 30 Nov. 2024 | For EC | More Info. Sought |
| 11 | Gandhwani PSP (1200 MW) | Gandhwani Energy Pvt. Ltd. | Surjuga/ Chhattisgarh | Rehar/ Brahmani | 19-20 Dec. 2023 | For ToR | Approved |
| 12 | Rouni Open Loop PSP 2100 Mw | Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Ltd | Jashpur/ Chhattisgarh | NA | 09 Feb. 2024 | For ToR | Deferred/ More Info. Sought |
| 18-19 July 2024 | Approved | ||||||
| 13 | Dangari Open Loop PSP 1400 Mw | Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Ltd | Jashpur/ Chhattisgarh | Geor river/ Ganga | 09 Feb. 2024 | For ToR | PP lacked info hence proposal Returned |
| 30-31 Aug. 2024 | Approved | ||||||
| 14 | Bilaspur Closed Loop PSP 1000 Mw | Jindal Renewable Power Pvt Ltd | Bilaspur/ Chhattisgarh | Kharang/ Arpa/ Seonath/ Mahanadi | 27 June 2024 | ToR Site Visit Report | Report approved |
| 13 Aug. 2024 | For ToR | Approved | |||||
| 15 | Sikaser Open loop PSP 1200 Mw | Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Ltd | Gariyaband, Chhattisgarh | Pairy/ Mahanadi | 30 Nov. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 16 | Saruali Close Loop PSP 840 Mw | Jindal Renewable Power Pvt Ltd | Deogarh/ Odisha | Jautuk Nullah/ Brahmani | 23 Jan. 2024 | For ToR | More Info. Sought |
| 17 | Brutang Irrigation Project | Irrigation Department, Odisha | Nayagarh/ Odisha | Brutang/ Mahanadi | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For EC | Approved |
| 18 | Khairibhandan Barrage Project | WRD, Odisha | Mayurbhanj/ Odisha | Khairi-bhandan/ Baitarni | 27 Sept. 2024 | For EC | Approved |
| 19 | Hidising Irrigation Project | WRD, Odisha | Anugul, Odisha | Badajore/ Mahanadi | 30 Nov. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
The remaining 9 proposals were mainly from two Eastern states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. All the 5 proposals from Chhattisgarh were for PSPs which were considered for ToR and same was granted to these projects. Of the 4 proposals taken up from Odisha 2 were for irrigation projects and 1 each for a Barrage and a PSP project. Of these, the EAC has granted EC to Brutang Irrigation Project on 30-31 August 2024 and Khairibhandan Barrage Project on 27 September 2024.
West India
| SN | Project Name Cap. In Mw | Developer | District/ State | River/ Basin | Meeting Date | Proposal | Decisions |
| 1 | Shahpur PSP 1800 Mw | Greenko Energies Pvt. Ltd. | Baran/ Rajasthan | Kuno/ Chambal/ Yamuna | 20 March 2024 | For EC | PP Absent |
| 13 Aug. 2024 | Approved | ||||||
| 2 | Sukhpura Off-Stream Closed Loop PSP 2560 Mw | Greenko Energies Pvt Ltd | Chittaurgarh, Rajasthan | Brahmani river/ Chambal/ Yamuna | 05 Nov. 2024 | Amendment in ToR | Approved |
| 3 | Lower Orr Dam | NWDA | Shivpuri/ Madhya Pradesh | Orr river/ Yamuna | 19-20 Dec. 2023 | For ToR | Approved |
| 4 | Maa Ratangarh Multipurpose Project | WRD, Madhya Pradesh | Datia/ Madhya Pradesh | Sindh/ Yamuna | 27 June 2024 | For EC | More Info Sought |
| 5 | Gandhi Sagar Standalone PSP 1440 Mw | GREENKO MP01 IREP Pvt Ltd | Neemuch/ Madhya Pradesh | Chambal/ Yamuna | 13 Aug. 2024 | Amendment in EC | Approved |
| 6 | Chentikheda Major Irrigation Project | WRD, Madhya Pradesh | Sheopur/ Morena, Madhya Pradesh | Kunwari/ Yamuna | 30 Nov. 2024 | For ToR | Deferred |
| 31 Dec. 2024 | For Reconsideration of ToR | Approved | |||||
| 7 | Indirasagar – Omkareshwar Open loop PSP 640 Mw | NHDC Ltd. | Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh | Narmada | 19 Dec. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 8 | Pane PSP 1500 Mw | JSW Energy PSP Seven Ltd. | Raigad/ Pune Maharashtra | Kal river/ Ambi river/ Krishna | 19-20 Dec. 2023 | For ToR | Approved |
| 05 Nov. 2024 | Amendment in ToR | Approved | |||||
| 9 | Kalamb Thakurwadi Close Loop PSP 1000 Mw | Renew Solar Power Pvt Ltd | Raigad Maharashtra | NA | 23 Jan. 2024 | For ToR | PP Requested Deferment |
| 10 | Bodwad Parisar Sinchan Yojana | Tapi Irrigation Dev. Corp | Jalgaon/ Maharashtra | Tapi & Purna river/ Godavari | 20 March 2024 | For Validity Extension of EC | Approved |
| 11 | Shirawta Off Stream Open Loop PSP 1800 Mw | Tata Power Company Ltd. | Pune/ Maharashtra | Kundali/ Bhima/ Krishna | 20 March 2024 | For ToR EAC took site visit on 23 Feb. 2024 | More Info Sought |
| 29 April 2024 | For Amendment in ToR | Approved | |||||
| 12 | Bhivpuri Off-Stream Open Loop PSP 1000 Mw | Tata Power Company Ltd. | Pune/ Raigad Maharashtra | Andra/ Indrayani/ Krishna | 20 March 2024 | For ToR EAC took site visit on 23 Feb. 2024 | More Info Sought |
| 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For EC | Approved | |||||
| 13 | Malshej Ghat Bhorande PSP 1500 Mw | Adani Green Energy Ltd | Pune/ Thane Maharashtra | Karli river/ Local stream/ Kalu river | 29 April 2024 | For Amendments in ToR | Approved |
| 14 | Khadakwasala Fursungi Tunnel Project | WRD, Maha-rashtra | Pune/ Maharashtra | Mutha/ Krishna | 27 June 2024 | For ToR | More Info Sought |
| 05 Nov. 2024 | Approved | ||||||
| 15 | Bhavali PSP 1500 Mw | JSW Energy PSP Two Ltd | Thane Maharashtra | Bham/ Godavari | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For EC | More Info Sought |
| 16 | Pawana Falyan PSP 1500 Mw | Avaada Hydro power Battery Pvt Ltd | Raigad/ Pune Maharashtra | Kurvande/ Falyan/ Indravati/ Bhima/ Krishna | 13 Sept. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 17 | Warsgaon Warangi PSP 1500 Mw | Adani Green Energy Ltd | Raigad/ Pune Maharashtra | Ambi/ Mutha/ Bhima/ Krishna | 27 Sept. 2024 | For ToR | More Info Sought |
| 30 Nov. 2024 | PP Requested Deferment | ||||||
| 31 Dec. 2024 | For ToR | Approved | |||||
| 18 | Expansion of Tembhu Lift Irrigation Project | Irrigation Dept. | Satara, Sangli & Solapur/ Maharashtra | Krishna | 19 Dec. 2024 | Site Visit Report | More Info. Sought |
| 19 | Tarali Off Stream Open Loop PSP 1500 Mw | Adani Green Energy Ltd | Satara, Maharashtra | Tarali/ Krishna | 19 Dec. 2024 | Site Visit Report | More Info. Sought |
| 31 Dec. 2024 | For EC | Approved | |||||
| 20 | Koyna-Nivakane (Closed loop) PSP 2450 Mw | Adani Green Energy Ltd | Satara, Maharashtra | Koyna/ Krishna | 19 Dec. 2024 | Site Visit Report | More Info. Sought |
| 21 | Dharampur Close Loop PSP 1500 Mw | Adani Green Energy Ltd | Valsad/ Gujarat | NA | 23 Jan. 2024 | For ToR | Returned (ToR already given to Torrent Power Ltd) |
| 22 | Conventional Barrage on Tapi | Surat Municipal Corp | Surat/ Gujarat | Tapi | 29 April 2024 | For ToR clarification | More Info Sought |
| 27 June 2024 | Advisory Steps Suggested | ||||||
| 23 | Amalpada PSP 300 Mw | Gujarat State Electricity Corp. Ltd. | Tapi/ Gujarat | Tapi | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 24 | Juni Kayaliwel PSP 300 Mw | Gujarat State Electricity Corp. Ltd. | Tapi/ Gujarat | Tapi | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 25 | Serula PSP 960 Mw | Gujarat State Electricity Corp. Ltd. | Tapi/ Gujarat | Tapi | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 26 | Satkashi PSP 330 Mw | Gujarat State Electricity Corp. Ltd. | Tapi/ Gujarat | Tapi | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
Of all 7 proposals were considered for ECs of which ECs were granted to 5 projects including 4 PSPs and 1 irrigation project. The PSPs’ given ECs included Shahpur PSP 1800 Mw in Baran, Rajasthan on 13 August 2024, the Gandhi Sagar PSP 1440 Mw in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh on 13 August 2024, the Bhivpuri Off Stream PSP 1000 Mw in Raigad-Mah on 31 August 2024 and Tarali Off Stream PSP 1500 Mw in Satara, Maharashtra on 31 Dec. 2024. EC was also granted to Bodwad Parisar Sinchai Yojana in Jalgaon-Mah on 20 March 2024.
ToRs were approved for 14 proposals from the region of 17 proposals taken up for the purpose. While the PP on 23 January 2024 requested deferment of ToR proposal for Kalamb Thakurwadi PSP in Raigad, Maharashtra, the EAC returned the ToR proposal for Dharampur PSP in Valsad Gujarat on 23 January 2024. Similarly, the EAC on 27 June 2024 has suggested advisory steps for ToR proposal of Tapi Conventional Barrage Project in Surat, Gujarat. The remaining 2 proposals were discussed for field visit reports taken up by the EAC.
South India
| SN | Project Name Cap. In Mw | Developer | District/ State | River/ Basin | Meeting Date | Proposal | Decisions |
| 1 | Gandikota PSP 1000 Mw | New & Renewable Energy Dev. Corp. of Andhra Pradesh Ltd. | YSR/ Andhra Pradesh | Pennar | 19-20 Dec. 2023 | For EC | Approved |
| 2 | Gadikota PSP 1200 Mw | New & Renewable Energy Dev. Corp. of Andhra Pradesh Ltd. | Annamayya/ Andhra Pradesh | Pennar | 19-20 Dec. 2023 | For ToR | Approved |
| 3 | Upper Sileru Open Loop PSP 1350 Mw | AP Power Generation Corp Ltd | ASR/ Andhra Pradesh | Sileru/ Godavari | 09 Feb. 2024 | For EC | Deferred |
| 18-19 July 2024 | Approved | ||||||
| 4 | Pedakota Open Loop PSP 1800 Mw | Adani Green Energy Ltd | ASR/ Andhra Pradesh | Bodderu River/ Sarada | 27 June 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 5 | Tiruvannamalai Close Loop PSP 2000 Mw | Eco Leap Technologies India Pvt Ltd | Tiruvannamalai/ Tamil Nadu | Kera/ Cauvery | 23 Jan. 2024 | For ToR | More Info. Sought |
| 13 Sept. 2024 | Approved | ||||||
| 6 | TN-11 Off Stream Closed Loop PSP 1000 Mw | Greenko Energies Pvt Ltd | Salem/ Tamil Nadu | Kaveri river (Mettur Dam) | 13 Sept. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 7 | Attappady Irrigation Project | Thiruvanantha-puram, Kerala | Siruvani river/ Bhavani | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For EC | Proposal Returned |
The date wise link of EAC meetings’ minutes can be seen in table below.
Decisions: While considering 1350 Mw Upper Sileru Open Loop PSP, Andhra Pradesh for EC on 09 February 2024, the EAC reprimanded the PP and WAPCOS for not being fully prepared. In same meeting, discussing the 1400 Mw Dangari Open Loop PSP, Chhattisgarh for ToR, the EAC raised serious concerns on PP’s complete dependability on consultant (WAPCOS) for all the crucial information. It also found that even the consultant was unable to present the proposal before the EAC due to lack of sufficient knowledge of important details.
Acting on NGT’s 22 December 2022 order in the matter of D. Chandramouleswara Reddy Vs Union of India (OA No. 148 of 2021), the EAC during 20 March 2024 meeting constituted an expert committee.
During 27 September 2024 meeting regarding ToR for 1500 Mw Warsgaon Warangi PSP by Adani Green Energy Ltd., the EAC noted that PP had “changed configuration of the project drastically which could attract more impact on the environment. The EAC raised its concerns about change in the total forest land required for the project with increase of more than three times i.e. from 24.50 Ha to 88.98 Ha.”
Accordingly, the EAC asked the PP to submit fresh proposal incorporating the changes in project profile. However, strangely, in Dec 31 2024 meeting, the EAC approved the same Warsgaon Warangi PSP by Adai Green Energy Ltd without following up either on its own earlier observations or submissions sent by a large number of people including SANDRP.
The EAC decided that before granting ECs to PSPs in Western Ghat region, a site visit will be carried out to all such projects. Following the decision, a sub-committee of the EAC conducted visits to the sites of Tembhu Lift Irrigation Project, 1500 Mw Tarali Off Stream Open Loop PSP and 2450 Mw Koyna-Nivakane (Closed loop) PSP in Maharashtra. Discussing the site visit reports during 19 December 2024 meeting, the EAC recommended that the PP should submit response to the observations raised in the site visit reports. The site visits, without going into depth of the ground realities, seems like and eye wash.
Discussing the 1200 Mw Teesta III HEP for amendment in EC, the EAC during 14 November 2024 meeting “expressed serious concerns regarding the dam’s design and stability: its ability to withstand potential natural disasters in the future. The committee emphasized the need for a thorough review of the proposed modifications to ensure the structural resilience and safety of the dam, particularly given the region’s susceptibility to extreme hydrological events. It was therefore recommended to get comments from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) on the proposed modifications.” However, during 31 December 2024 meeting the EAC approved the site visit report for the project without satisfactory answers to question raised in earlier meeting or those by communities and civil society members.
Summary: The EAC during 16 meetings conducted between 19-20 December 2023 and 31 December 2024, deliberated on 66 proposals including 14 from North, 19 from North East & East, 26 from West and 07 from South zones. The maximum 37 proposals considered in this period were for PSPs followed by 15 HEPs, 07 Irrigation projects including 1 Lift Irrigation Project, 2 Barrage Projects, 2 Dam Projects and 1 other Water Project. The 2 remaining proposals were regarding CIA & CCS studies in Yamuna and Tirap basin. A file containing separate tabular details of 37 PSP, 15 HEPs, 07 Irrigation and 4 dam & barrage projects considered by the EAC during 2024 can be seen here.
Of the total 66 proposals, the EAC discussed 62 proposals for ECs and ToRs including extension, reconsideration and amendments in the proposals and approved 48 of the proposals in this period. Of 18 proposals considered, ECs were granted to 11 proposals while ToRs were approved for 37 proposals out of 44 taken up for the purpose.
The details for 7 PSPs, 1 HEP, 2 Irrigation and 1 Barrage projects granted EC by EAC during 2024 are given in table below.
| SN | Project Name Cap. In Mw | Developer | District/ State | River/ Basin | Meeting Date | Proposal | Decisions |
| 1 | UP01 Off-Stream Closed Loop PSP 3660 Mw | GREENKO Energy Pvt. Ltd. | Sonbhadra/ Uttar Pradesh | Sone/ Ganga | 19-20 Dec. 2023 | For EC | Approved |
| 2 | Shahpur PSP 1800 Mw | Greenko Energies Pvt. Ltd. | Baran/ Rajasthan | Kuno/ Chambal/ Yamuna | 13 Aug. 2024 | For EC | Approved |
| 3 | Gandhi Sagar Standalone PSP 1440 Mw | GREENKO MP01 IREP Pvt Ltd | Neemuch/ Madhya Pradesh | Chambal/ Yamuna | 13 Aug. 2024 | Amendment in EC | Approved |
| 4 | Bhivpuri Off-Stream Open Loop PSP 1000 Mw | Tata Power Company Ltd. | Pune/ Raigad Maharashtra | Andra/ Indrayani/ Krishna | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For EC | Approved |
| 5 | Tarali Off Stream Open Loop PSP 1500 Mw | Adani Green Energy Ltd | Satara, Maharashtra | Tarali/ Krishna | 31 Dec. 2024 | For EC | Approved |
| 6 | Gandikota PSP 1000 Mw | New & Renewable Energy Dev. Corp. of Andhra Pradesh Ltd. | YSR/ Andhra Pradesh | Pennar | 19-20 Dec. 2023 | For EC | Approved |
| 7 | Upper Sileru Open Loop PSP 1350 Mw | AP Power Generation Corp Ltd | ASR/ Andhra Pradesh | Sileru/ Godavari | 18-19 July 2024 | For EC | Approved |
| 8 | Kutehr HEP 240 Mw | JSW Energy (Kutehr) Ltd | Chamba/ Himachal Pradesh | Ravi | 18-19 July 2024 | For extension in validity of EC | EC is valid till 10 Jan. 2027 |
| 9 | Brutang Irrigation Project | Irrigation Department, Odisha | Nayagarh/ Odisha | Brutang/ Mahanadi | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For EC | Approved |
| 10 | Bodwad Parisar Sinchan Yojana | Tapi Irrigation Dev. Corp | Jalgaon/ Maharashtra | Tapi & Purna river/ Godavari | 20 March 2024 | For Validity Extension of EC | Approved |
| 11 | Khairibhandan Barrage Project | WRD, Odisha | Mayurbhanj/ Odisha | Khairi-bhandan/ Baitarni | 27 Sept. 2024 | For EC | Approved |
PSPs & HEPs: Of total 37 PSP proposals, the EAC considered 8 such proposals for ECs and 29 proposals for ToRs of which ECs were granted to 7 PSP proposals while ToR was approved for 25 PSP proposals during the year 2024. Similarly, 1 HEP proposal out of 5 was granted EC while ToR was approved for 9 HEP proposals out of 10 taken up for the purpose by the EAC during this period. The table below has the details of all 32 PSPs proposals which were approved for ECs (7) and ToRs (25) by EAC during 2024.
| SN | Project Name Cap. In Mw | Developer | District/ State | River/ Basin | Meeting Date | Proposal | Decisions |
| 1 | UP01 Off-Stream Closed Loop PSP 3660 Mw | GREENKO Energy Pvt. Ltd. | Sonbhadra/ Uttar Pradesh | Sone/ Ganga | 19-20 Dec. 2023 | For EC | Approved |
| 2 | Kandhaura PSP 1680 Mw | JSW Energy PSP Six Ltd | Sonbhadra/ Uttar Pradesh | Sone/ Ganga | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | Amendment in ToR | Approved |
| 3 | Chichlik PSP 1560 Mw | Avaada Waterbattery Pvt Ltd | Sonbhadra/ Uttar Pradesh | Sone/ Ganga | 29 April 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 4 | Musakhand PSP 600 Mw | Acme Urja Two Pvt. Ltd. | Chandauli/ Uttar Pradesh | Karam-nasa/ Ganga | 19 Dec. 2024 | Amendments in ToR | Approved |
| 5 | Jhariya PSP 1620 Mw | Jhariya Ananturja Pvt Ltd | Sonbhadra/ Uttar Pradesh | Sone/ Ganga | 18-19 July 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 6 | Panaura PSP 1500 Mw | Adani Green Energy Ltd | Sonbhadra/ Uttar Pradesh | Sone/ Ganga | 18-19 July 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 7 | Gandhwani PSP (1200 MW) | Gandhwani Energy Pvt. Ltd. | Surjuga/ Chhattisgarh | Rehar/ Brahmani | 19-20 Dec. 2023 | For ToR | Approved |
| 8 | Rouni Open Loop PSP 2100 Mw | Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Ltd | Jashpur/ Chhattisgarh | NA | 18-19 July 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 9 | Dangari Open Loop PSP 1400 Mw | Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Ltd | Jashpur/ Chhattisgarh | Geor river/ Ganga | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 10 | Bilaspur Closed Loop PSP 1000 Mw | Jindal Renewable Power Pvt Ltd | Bilaspur/ Chhattisgarh | Kharang/ Arpa/ Seonath/ Mahanadi | 13 Aug. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 11 | Sikaser Open loop PSP 1200 Mw | Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Ltd | Gariyaband, Chhattisgarh | Pairy/ Mahanadi | 30 Nov. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 12 | Shahpur PSP 1800 Mw | Greenko Energies Pvt. Ltd. | Baran/ Rajasthan | Kuno/ Chambal/ Yamuna | 13 Aug. 2024 | For EC | Approved |
| 13 | Sukhpura Off-Stream Closed Loop PSP 2560 Mw | Greenko Energies Pvt Ltd | Chittaurgarh, Rajasthan | Brahmani river/ Chambal/ Yamuna | 05 Nov. 2024 | Amendment in ToR | Approved |
| 14 | Gandhi Sagar Standalone PSP 1440 Mw | GREENKO MP01 IREP Pvt Ltd | Neemuch/ Madhya Pradesh | Chambal/ Yamuna | 13 Aug. 2024 | Amendment in EC | Approved |
| 15 | Indirasagar – Omkareshwar Open loop PSP 640 Mw | NHDC Ltd. | Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh | Narmada | 19 Dec. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 16 | Pane PSP 1500 Mw | JSW Energy PSP Seven Ltd. | Raigad/ Pune Maharashtra | Kal river/ Ambi river/ Krishna | 05 Nov. 2024 | Amendment in ToR | Approved |
| 17 | Shirawta Off Stream Open Loop PSP 1800 Mw | Tata Power Company Ltd. | Pune/ Maharashtra | Kundali/ Bhima/ Krishna | 29 April 2024 | For Amendment in ToR | Approved |
| 18 | Bhivpuri Off-Stream Open Loop PSP 1000 Mw | Tata Power Company Ltd. | Pune/ Raigad Maharashtra | Andra/ Indrayani/ Krishna | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For EC | Approved |
| 19 | Malshej Ghat Bhorande PSP 1500 Mw | Adani Green Energy Ltd | Pune/ Thane Maharashtra | Karli river/ Local stream/ Kalu river | 29 April 2024 | For Amendments in ToR | Approved |
| 20 | Pawana Falyan PSP 1500 Mw | Avaada Hydro power Battery Pvt Ltd | Raigad/ Pune Maharashtra | Kurvande/ Falyan/ Indravati/ Bhima/ Krishna | 13 Sept. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 21 | Warsgaon Warangi PSP 1500 Mw | Adani Green Energy Ltd | Raigad/ Pune Maharashtra | Ambi/ Mutha/ Bhima/ Krishna | 31 Dec. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 22 | Tarali Off Stream Open Loop PSP 1500 Mw | Adani Green Energy Ltd | Satara, Maharashtra | Tarali/ Krishna | 31 Dec. 2024 | For EC | Approved |
| 23 | Amalpada PSP 300 Mw | Gujarat State Electricity Corp. Ltd. | Tapi/ Gujarat | Tapi | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 24 | Juni Kayaliwel PSP 300 Mw | Gujarat State Electricity Corp. Ltd. | Tapi/ Gujarat | Tapi | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 25 | Serula PSP 960 Mw | Gujarat State Electricity Corp. Ltd. | Tapi/ Gujarat | Tapi | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 26 | Satkashi PSP 330 Mw | Gujarat State Electricity Corp. Ltd. | Tapi/ Gujarat | Tapi | 30-31 Aug. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 27 | Gandikota PSP 1000 Mw | New & Renewable Energy Dev. Corp. of Andhra Pradesh Ltd. | YSR/ Andhra Pradesh | Pennar | 19-20 Dec. 2023 | For EC | Approved |
| 28 | Gadikota PSP 1200 Mw | New & Renewable Energy Dev. Corp. of Andhra Pradesh Ltd. | Annamayya/ Andhra Pradesh | Pennar | 19-20 Dec. 2023 | For ToR | Approved |
| 29 | Upper Sileru Open Loop PSP 1350 Mw | AP Power Generation Corp Ltd | ASR/ Andhra Pradesh | Sileru/ Godavari | 18-19 July 2024 | For EC | Approved |
| 30 | Pedakota Open Loop PSP 1800 Mw | Adani Green Energy Ltd | ASR/ Andhra Pradesh | Bodderu River/ Sarada | 27 June 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 31 | Tiruvannamalai Close Loop PSP 2000 Mw | Eco Leap Technologies India Pvt Ltd | Tiruvannamalai/ Tamil Nadu | Kera/ Cauvery | 13 Sept. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
| 32 | TN-11 Off Stream Closed Loop PSP 1000 Mw | Greenko Energies Pvt Ltd | Salem/ Tamil Nadu | Kaveri river (Mettur Dam) | 13 Sept. 2024 | For ToR | Approved |
The total capacity of 7 PSP proposals granted EC is 11,750 Mw and these are in 5 States including 2 each in Maharashtra (2,500 Mw) and Andhra Pradesh (2,350 Mw) and 1 each in Uttar Pradesh (3,660 Mw), Rajasthan (1,800 Mw) and Madhya Pradesh (1,440 Mw).
Similarly, the total capacity of 25 PSP proposals approved for ToRs is 32,750 Mw and these are located in 8 states including 5 each in Maharashtra (7,800 Mw), Uttara Pradesh (6,960 Mw), and Chhattisgarh (6,900 Mw) and 4 in Gujarat (1,890 Mw), 2 each in Andhra Pradesh (3,000 Mw) and Tamil Nadu (3,000 Mw) and 1 each in Rajasthan (2,560 Mw) and Madhya Pradesh (640 Mw).
Irrigation & Dam Projects: Of the 7 irrigation projects 3 each proposal was considered for ECs and ToR and 2 each proposal was approved for the ECs and ToRs. The EAC returned the EC proposal for Attappady Irrigation Project Kerala on 30-31 August 2024 and planned to visit the site of Pachnad Major Irrigation Project, Uttar Pradesh on 05 November 2024 while considering it for ToR. The remaining 1 Irrigation Project namely Expansion of Tembhu Lift Irrigation Project, Maharashtra was discussed for site visit report.
The EAC granted EC to Khairibhandan Barrage Project, Odisha on 27 September2024 and suggested advisory steps for ToR clarification of Conventional Tapi Barrage, Gujarat on 27 June 2024. It also approved ToR for Lower Orr Dam, Madhya Pradesh during 19-20 December 2023 meeting. The EAC sought more information while considering Maa Ratangarh Multipurpose Project, Madhya Pradesh for EC on 27 June 2024.
In addition to these, the proposal of Khadakwasala Pursuing Tunnel Project, Maharashtra was approved for ToR during 05 November 2024 meeting.
2024 FAC’s Relevant Decisions: The details of various hydro, dam and irrigation projects considered by FAC for forest clearances between 15 Dec 2023 and 26 Dec 2024 are given in table below.
| SN | Project Name Cap. In Mw | Developer | District/ State | River/ Basin | Meeting Date | Proposal | Decisions |
| 1 | Heo HEP 240 Mw | NEEPCO | West Siang Arunachal Pradesh | Yarjep (Shi)/ Siyom/ Brahma-putra | 24 Oct. 2024 | for non-forestry use of 59.90 ha. of forest land | Conditional Approval |
| 2 | Tato-I HEP 186 Mw | NEEPCO | West Siang Arunachal Pradesh | Yarjep Siyom / Brahma-putra | 24 Oct. 2024 | for non-forest use of 52.8 ha forest land | Conditional Approval |
| 3 | Halaipani HEP (16 MW) | Halaipani Hydro Project Ltd. | Anjaw Arunachal Pradesh | Halai River/ Lohit basin | 26 Dec. 2024 | Non-forestry use of 4.75 ha. of forest land | Approved |
| 4 | Uri I, Stage I HEP 240 MW | NHPC | Baramula/ Jammu & Kashmir | Jhelum River | 30 April 2024 | Diversion of 17.00 ha. of forest land | Deferred |
| 17 Dec. 2024 | Approved | ||||||
| 5 | Shongtong Karchham HEP 450 Mw | HPPCL | Kinnaur/ Himachal Pradesh | Sutlej | 28 Feb. 2024 | Diversion of 7.3722 ha additional forest land | Approved |
| 6 | Chirchind-II HEP 12.90 Mw | Shivalik Energy Pvt. Ltd | Chamba/ Himachal Pradesh | Kiunr Khad/ Ravi River | 30 April 2024 | Diversion of 0.1668 ha of forest land | Approved |
| 7 | River Dredging | Kullu/ Himachal Pradesh | Raison, Jia and Chhoj Nalla | 30 April 2024 | Temporary Use of forest land | Approved | |
| 8 | Mining lease for extraction of Sand, Stone and Bajri in Son Khad Part-III | Mandi/ Himachal Pradesh | Son Khad/ Beas | 07 June 2024 | Non-forestry use of 1.7674 ha. of forest land | Stage-I approval | |
| 9 | Extraction of sand, stone and bajri in Son Khad Part-II | Mandi/ Himachal Pradesh | Son Khad/ Beas | 07 June 2024 | Non-forestry use of 0.7984 ha of forest land | Stage-I approval | |
| 10 | Dugar HEP 500 Mw | NHPC | Chamba/ Himachal Pradesh | Chenab/ Indus | 04 July 2024 | Diversion of 211.8427 ha. of forest land | More Info. Sought |
| 11 | Integrated Kashang HEP Stage-II & III (130MW) | HPPCL | Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh | Kashang &Kerang streams /Sutlej River | 27 Aug. 2024 | Diversion of 0.4148 ha of additional Degraded Protected forest land | Approved |
| 12 | Baggi HEP 42 MW | BBMB | Mandi/ Himachal Pradesh | Beas River | 27 Aug. 2024 | Diversion of 0.87 ha of Protected Forest land | Approved |
| 13 | Morand – Ganjal Irrigation Project | NVDA | Hoshangabad, Betul, Harda & Khandwa Madhya Pradesh | Morand & Ganjal rivers/ Narmada | 28 Feb. 2024 | Diversion of 2250.05 ha | More Info. Sought |
| 27 Aug. 2024 | More Info. Sought | ||||||
| 14 | Sangatha (AER) Medium Irrigation Project | WRD, MP | Shivpuri/ Madhya Pradesh | Bina/ Betwa/ Yamuna | 07 June 2024 | Diversion of 349.00 ha forest land | Approved |
| 15 | Shahpur PSP 1800 Mw | Greenko Energies Pvt Ltd | Baran/ Rajasthan | Kuno/ Chambal/ Yamuna | 28 Feb. 2024 | Diversion of 407.8227 ha. of forest land | Approved |
| 16 | Kareghat Minor Irrigation Tank | WRD, Maharashtra | Nandurbar Maharashtra | Supadi/ Tapi | 18 Dec. 2023 | Diversion of 73.94 ha of forest land | Rejected |
| 17 | Renovation of Asolamendha Irrigation Project | Irrigation Dept, Maharashtra | Chandrapur Maharashtra | Pothwari/ Godavari | 17 Jan. 2024 | Diversion of 315.74 ha forest land | More Info. Sought |
| 30 April 2024 | More Info. Sought | ||||||
| 04 July 2024 | Approved | ||||||
| 18 | Sambarkund Irrigation Project | Irrigation Dept, Maharashtra | Raigad/ Maharashtra | Sambar-kund/ Kundalika river | 28 Feb. 2024 | Diversion of 263.5406 ha forest land | More Info. Sought |
| 04 July 2024 | Approved | ||||||
| 19 | Methala Bandhara Irrigation Project | WRD, Gujarat | Bhavnagar / Gujarat | Bagad river | 28 Feb. 2024 | Diversion of 598.2427 ha. forest land | Approved |
In 10 meetings held between 15 December 2023 and 26 December 2024, the FAC considered 19 proposals seeking diversion of about 4616.0183 hectares (ha) of forest lands for hydro projects (10 proposals), irrigation projects (05 proposals), riverbed mining (03 proposals) and PSP (01 proposal) from 7 states of Himachal Pradesh (8 proposals for diversion of about 223.23 ha of forest lands), Arunachal Pradesh (3 proposals for diversion of 117.45 ha. forestland), Maharashtra (3 proposals for diversion 653.22 ha of forest land), Madhya Pradesh (02 proposals for diversion of 2599.05 ha forest land), Jammu & Kashmir (1 proposal for diversion of 17 ha forest lands), Rajasthan (1 proposal for diversion of 407.82 ha forest land) and Gujarat (1 proposal for diversion of 598.24 ha forest lands).
Of the 19 proposals the FAC cleared 16 proposals approving diversion of 2080.18 ha of forest lands in these states including in Gujarat (598.24 ha), Maharashtra (579.28 ha), Rajasthan (407.82 ha), Madhya Pradesh (349 ha), Arunachal Pradesh (117.45 ha), Jammu & Kashmir (17 ha) and Himachal Pradesh (11.38 ha).
Of remaining 3 proposals, the FAC deferred 2 proposals including 540 Mw Dugar HEP, Himachal Pradesh on 04 July 2024 seeking diversion of 211.84 ha forest land and Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project in Madhya Pradesh on 27 August 2024 seeking diversion of 2250.05 ha of forest land. The proposal of the Kareghat Minor Irrigation Tank, Maharashtra seeking diversion of 73.94 ha of forest land was rejected by the FAC on 18 December 2023.
In an important policy decision, the FAC during 30 April 2024 meeting approved temporary use of forest land for riverbed dredging proposal from Himachal Pradesh. The state government had cited recommendation of a committee formed on 27 July 2023 which found it necessary to undertake river dredging, as a short-term mitigation measure, to protect vulnerable sites along the Beas, Parabati, Sainj, and Tirthan rivers. As per the committee, the collection and disposal of the dredging material shall be done by the DDMA at its own level.
The date wise link of FAC meetings’ minutes can be seen in table below.
Some Relevant Reports
SC stays Sham post facto clearances Post facto environment clearances are indeed a sham as the Hindustan Times Edit has said. It is welcome that the Supreme Court of India has stayed, on Jan 2, 2024, the MoEF memorandums allowing such post facto environmental clearances. Following a petition filed by the Mumbai based environmental group Vanashakti, the sham practice that has been going on since March 2017. Such clearances are clearly contradictory, in letter and spirit to the prior environment clearances as required under the EIA notification of 2006.
The Sham practice should have been stayed much earlier, for example when the Madras High Court gave an interim stay on the MoEF notification of 2017. But unfortunately, the Supreme Court then interpreted that the Madras High Court order will only be limited to Tamil Nadu. Or it may have been stayed earlier by NGT.
It is certainly a slap for the Union Environment Ministry and one only hopes that it learns right lessons and does not start to undo what the Supreme Court has done. This is a major blot on the environmental credentials of the MoEF. One wishes the Supreme Court would also order that the projects that benefited from the impugned order should stop work and go back to get the environment clearance. https://sandrp.in/2024/01/08/drp-nb-080124-supreme-court-stays-sham-post-facto-clearances/ (08 Jan. 2024)
NBWL decision of no clearance without compliance of previous projects The decision of National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) not to clear any projects affecting wildlife areas till there is compliance certificate from previous such projects is certainly welcome, was long overdue. We hope NBWL comes out with clearly defined norms for implementing this decision and also implements the decision in letter and spirit. Needless to add, the compliance certificate must come through an independent assessment done by a body that involves no conflict of interest and has independent track record.
Unfortunately, the news this week that NBWL has given green light to the Jamrani Dam in Uttarakhand without a clearance from National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a significant dampener. Similarly, the past track record of NBWL, including the way it gave clearance to Ken Betwa River Link Project does not inspire too much confidence that NBWL is serious about this.
In fact, this principle of no further clearance till past projects produce confidence inspiring certificates through independent assessments also needs to be followed by other clearance giving authorities like the Expert Appraisal Committee of MoEF on River Valley Projects and also the Forest Advisory Committee of MoEF. https://sandrp.in/2024/02/19/drp-nb-190224-nbwl-decision-of-no-clearance-without-compliance-of-previous-projects/ (19 Feb. 2024)
Bhim Singh Rawat (bhim.sandrp@gmail.com)
SANDRP 