This analysis tracks the decisions taken by Union Ministry of Environment and Forests’ (MoEF) Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for River Valley and Hydropower Projects between Jan. 10 and Dec. 19, 2025 regarding Dams, Hydroelectric Power (HEP), Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) and Irrigation related proposals seeking Terms of Reference (TOR) for Environmental Impact Assessments and Environment Clearance (EC) approvals. It also covers various water projects related proposals considered by the MoEF’s Forest Appraisal Committee (FAC) between 27 Jan. to Dec. 02, 2025 for Forest Clearances (FC) approvals. SANDRP’s 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020 overviews on the subject can be seen by clicking the hyperlinks.
2025 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 Ltd | Baramula/ Jammu & Kashmir | Jhelum/ Indus | 29 Jan. 2025 | For EC | Approved |
| 2 | Sawalkote HEP (1856 Mw) in 1401.35 Ha | NHPC Ltd | Ramban/ Jammu & Kashmir | Chenab/ Indus | 26 Sept. 2025 | For EC | Approved |
| 3 | Dulhasti-II HEP (260 Mw) in 60.3 Ha | NHPC Ltd | Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir | Chenab/ Indus | 19 Dec. 2025 | For EC | Approved |
| 4 | Thana Plaun HEP (191 Mw) in 432.79 Ha | HPPCL | Mandi/ Himachal Pradesh | Beas/ Indus | 29 May 2025 | For EC | Approved |
| 5 | Renukaji Dam Project (40 Mw) in 1988.27 ha. | HPPCL | Nahan, Himachal Pradesh | Renuka/ Yamuna | 11 July 2025 | For Validity Extension of EC | Approved till Oct. 22, 2027 |
| 6 | Medium Irrigation Project to Various Panchayats of Jawalamukhi (CCA: 2590 Ha) in 17.89 Ha | Jal Shakti Dept. HP/ CWC | Hamirpur & Kangra, Himachal Pradesh | Seer Khad/ Beas | 14 Aug. 2025 | For ToR | Deferred on PP request |
| 12 Sept. 2025 | ToRC not required as it is B2 project | ||||||
| 7 | Cumulative Impact Assessment and Carrying Capacity Study | ICFRE | Uttarakhand | Yamuna River Basin | 17 June 2025 | For CIA & CC Study | Approved |
| 8 | Sirkari-Bhyol Rupsiabagar HEP 120 Mw in 30 ha | UJVN Ltd | Pithoragarh Uttarakhand | Goriganga/ Mahakali/ Sharda/ Ganga | 30 June 2025 | For EC | Deferred |
| 30 July 2025 | Approved | ||||||
| 9 | Pachnad Major Irrigation Scheme (CCA: 24,328 Ha) | Irrigation & WRD, Kanpur | Auraiya/ Uttar Pradesh | Yamuna/ Ganga | 14 Feb. 2025 | For ToR | More Info. Sought |
| 12 March 2025 | Approved | ||||||
| 10 | Sukhnai Close Loop PSP (1000 Mw) (284 Ha) | Hinduja Renewables Energy Pvt Ltd | Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh | Rehar/ Son/ Ganga | 15 April 2025 | For ToR | Returned on PP request |
| 11 | Kalu Patti PSP (600 Mw) in an area of 267 Ha | Renew Hydro Power Pvt Ltd | Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh | Adwa+ Belan/ Tons/ Ganga | 14 May 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 12 | Kandhaura PSP (1680 MW) in 584.57 Ha | JSW Energy PSP Six Ltd | Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh | Rehar/ Son/ Ganga | 17 June 2025 | For Amendment in ToR | Approved |
| 30 July 2025 | For EC | Approved | |||||
| 13 | Chhadgada Closed Loop PSP (900 Mw) in 292.4Ha | GSC PSP Uttar Pvt Ltd | Prayagraj & Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh | Rehar/ Son/ Ganga | 14 Aug. 2025 | For ToR | Postponed on request of PP |
| 14 | Pailani Barrage under Ken Betwa Link in an area 287 Ha | Mahoba Irrigation & WRD, UP | Banda & Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh | Ken/ Yamuna/ Ganga | 14 Aug. 2025 | For ToR | More Info Sought |
In this period, the EAC has granted ECs to all 5 HEP proposals including 3 in J&K (240 Mw Uri-I, Stage II; 1856 Mw Sawalkote HEP; 260 Mw Dulhasti-II HEP), 1 in Himachal Pradesh (191 Mw Thana Plaun HEP) and 1 in Uttarakhand (120 Mw Sirkari-Bhyol Rupsiabagar HEP). The EAC has on July 11 extended validity of EC to Renuka dam project upto Oct. 22, 2027. The EAC on March 12 has approved ToR for Panchnad Major Irrigation Scheme which proposes construction of a low gravity dam with barrage type spillway on river Yamuna in Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh.
Regarding 4 PSP proposals all from Uttar Pradesh, the EAC on May 14 has approved ToR for Kalu Patti PSP (600 Mw) in Mirzapur while Kandhaura PSP (1680 MW) in Sonbhadra district has been granted both ToR on June 17 and EC on July 30. The ToR proposals for 2 other PSPs 1000 Mw Sukhnai Close Loop PSP and 900 Mw Chhadgada Closed Loop PSP were postponed on the request of Project Proponent (PP).
Considering Pailani Barrage proposal under Ken Betwa Link project for TOR, the EAC on Aug. 14 has deferred it seeking more information. The EAC on June 17 has approved Cumulative Impact Assessment and Carrying Capacity Study of hydro projects on River Yamuna, Tons & its tributaries. The HAC through RTI has accessed Volume I & Volume II of the study.
Northeast & East India
| SN | Project Name Cap. In Mw | Developer | District/ State | River/ Basin | Meeting Date | Proposal | Decisions |
| 1 | Teesta-III (1200 MW) | Sikkim Urja Ltd. | North/ Sikkim | Teesta/ Brahmaputra | 10 Jan. 2025 | For Amendment in EC | Approved |
| 2 | Chakung Chu HEP (82.5 Mw) (42.24 Ha) | Kundan Hydro (Gangtok) Pvt Ltd | North/ Sikkim | Chakung Chu/ Teesta | 12 March 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 3 | Tato-II 700 Mw HEP in 278.92 Ha | NEEPCO | Shi Yomi, Arunachal Pradesh | Siyom/ Brahmaputra | 29 May 2025 | Extension of validity of EC | Valid till 26.06.2027 |
| 4 | Kalai II HEP (1200 Mw) in 1100 Ha | THDC India Ltd | Anjaw, Arunachal Pradesh | Lohit/ Brahmaputra | 17 June 2025 | For Amendment in ToR | Approved |
| 19 Dec. 2025 | For EC | Approved | |||||
| 5 | Etalin HEP (3097 Mw) in 1175.03 Ha | SJVN Ltd | Upper Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh | Dri & Talo/ Dibang/ Brahmaputra | 30 July 2025 | For EC | Approved |
| 6 | Oju HEP 2220 Mw | Oju Subansiri Hydro Power Corp Pvt Ltd | Upper Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh | Subansiri/ Brahmaputra | 14 Aug. 2025 | For EC | Postponed on request of PP |
| 12 Sept 2025 | Approved | ||||||
| 7 | Greenko Assam – 01 Closed Loop PSP (900 Mw) in 251.94 Ha | Greenko Energies Pvt Ltd | Morigaon & West Karbi Anglong/ Assam | Umiam/ Brahmaputra | 14 May 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 8 | Assam/PSP-02 Closed-Loop PSP (1000 Mw) in 259.6 Ha | Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd | West Karbi Anglong, Assam | 10 Dec. 2025 | For ToR | Deferred: PP Absent | |
| 9 | Upper Kolab Open Loop PSP 600 Mw in 162 Ha | Odisha Hydro Power Corp Ltd | Koraput/ Odisha | Kolab/ Godavari | 15 April 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 10 | Khadkhai Medium Irrigation Project (Ph- II) CCA 5,394 ha & Submergence Area of 77.50 ha | WRD | Mayurbhanj, Odisha | Khadkhai/ Subarnarekha | 11 July 2025 | For ToR | Deferred |
| 11 | Integrated Anandapur Barrage Project (CCA: 60,000 Ha) | Irrigation Dept. | Keonjhar, Odisha | Brahmani river | 29 Aug. 2025 | For Amendment in EC | More Info. Sought |
| 12 | Masinta Closed Loop PSP (1000 Mw) in 403.9 Ha | NHPC Ltd | Deogarh, Odisha | Brahmani | 12 Nov. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 13 | Kamla Irrigation Project ERM (CCA: 23,419.08 ha + 4,965.05 ha) in 26.7 Ha (additional) | WRD, Bihar | Madhubani, Bihar | Kamla/ Bagmati/ Ganga | 30 April 2025 | For ToR | More Info Sought |
| 30 July 2025 | Approved | ||||||
| 14 | Gosaintari Closed-Loop PSP (920 Mw) in 261.13 Ha | Sun Hydro Energy Private Limited | Nawada, Bihar | Dhanerjay & Sakri/ Ganga | 10 Dec. 2025 | For ToR | Deferred: PP Absent |
Of the 6 HEP proposals 2 were from Sikkim and 4 from Arunachal Pradesh. The EAC has approved amendment in 1200 Mw Teesta III HEP on Jan 10 and on May 29 has extended the EC validity for 700 Mw Tato II HEP upto 26.06.2027. Further, the EAC has approved EC for 3097 Mw Etalin HEP on July 30 and 2220 Mw Oju HEP on Sept. 12.
The EAC has approved ToR for 82.5 Mw Chakung Chu HEP on March 12. The EAC first granted ToR to 1200 Mw Kalai II HEP on June 17 and then on Dec. 19 approved the EC for the project.
Regarding PSPs, the EAC has granted ToR to 3 proposals, including 1 from Assam and 2 from Odisha state including 900 Mw Greenko Assam 01 PSP on May 14; 600 Mw Upper Kolab PSP on April 15 and 1000 Mw Masinta PSP on Nov. 12. The EAC has also approved ToR for Kamla Irrigation project in Bihar on July 30.
West India
| SN | Project Name Cap. In Mw | Developer | District/ State | River/ Basin | Meeting Date | Proposal | Decisions |
| 1 | Balotra PSP (1800 Mw) | Adani Green Energy Ltd. | Barmer/ Rajasthan | Local Stream/ Luni | 10 Jan. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 2 | Sukhpura Off Stream Closed Loop PSP (2650 Mw) | Greenko Energies Pvt Ltd | Chittorgarh/ Rajasthan | Brahmani river/ Chambal/ Yamuna | 10 Jan. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 3 | Kadambari PSP Closed Loop 1560 Mw in 286.1 ha | Avaada Aqua Batteries Pvt Ltd | Pali & Sirohi, Rajasthan | (Luni river basin) | 11 July 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 4 | Kopra Medium Irrigation Project (CCA: 9990 Ha) | Water Resource Dept. | Sagar/ Madhya Pradesh | Kopra/ Sonar/ Ken | 12 March 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 5 | Jankhai Closed Loop PSP (1500 Mw) in 427 Ha | GSC PSP Madhya Pvt Ltd | Rewa, Madhya Pradesh | NA | 29 Aug. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 6 | Rewa Closed Loop PSP (600 Mw) in 449.47Ha | Dhakara Energy PSP Pvt Ltd | Rewa, Madhya Pradesh | NA | 29 Aug. 2025 | For ToR | PP Absent |
| 19 Dec. 2025 | PP absent | ||||||
| 7 | Sonpura Major Micro Irrigation Project (CCA: 19410 Ha) in 1042.9Ha | WRD, MP | Shivpuri & Guna, Madhya Pradesh | Chambal/ Yamuna | 29 Aug. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 8 | Munjari Irrigation Project (CCA: 11575 Ha) in 1043.089 Ha | WRD, MP | Sheopur Madhya Pradesh | Aheli/ Parvati/ Chambal | 12 Sept. 2025 | For EC | More info sought |
| 9 | Sitapur-Hanumana Micro Irrigation Project (CCA: 1,29,060 Ha) | Naigarhi Micro Irrigation Project, Division- Rewa, MP | Rewa, Sidhi, Singrauli in MP & Prayagraj, Sonbhadra in UP | Son/ Ganga | 13 Oct. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 10 | Bargi Open Loop PSP (1000 Mw) | Serentica Renewables India 21 Pvt Ltd | Mandla, Madhya Pradesh | Narmada | 13 Oct. 2025 | For ToR | Deferred |
| 31 Oct. 2025 | Approved | ||||||
| 11 | Gond Major Irrigation Project (10 Mw & CCA of 33,015 ha) in 1088.57 Ha | WRD, MP | Singrauli & Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh | Gopad/ Son/ Ganga | 31 Oct. 2025 | For Amendment in ToR | Approved |
| 12 | Hiran Closed-Loop PSP (1000 Mw) in 300 Ha | Renew Green (Tnj Two) Pvt Ltd | Jabalpur & Damoh, Madhya Pradesh | Hiran/ Narmada | 10 Dec. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 13 | Kotpali Close Loop PSP (1800 Mw) (357 Ha) | Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited | Balrampur/ Chhattisgarh | Kanhar/ Son/ Ganga | 27 March 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 14 | Parsapani Open Loop PSP (1000 Mw) in 231 Ha | Hinduja Renewables Energy Pvt Ltd | Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh | Rehar/ Son/ Ganga | 15 April 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 15 | Mudghusri Close Loop PSP (1000 Mw) in 307 Ha | Renew Vidyut Tej Pvt Ltd | Kabeerdham, Chhattisgarh | NA | 31 Oct. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 16 | Bhavali PSP (1500 Mw) in 278.92 Ha | JSW Energy PSP II Ltd | Nasik & Thane/ Maharashtra | Darna/ Godavari | 10 Jan. 2025 | Site visit Report | Approved |
| 30 April 2025 | For EC | More Info. Sought | |||||
| 29 May 2025 | Approved | ||||||
| 17 | Expansion of Tembhu Lift Irrigation Project | Irrigation Dept | Satara/ Maharashtra | Krishna | 10 Jan. 2025 | For EC | PP Absent |
| 27 Feb. 2025 | More Info. Sought | ||||||
| 30 April 2025 | More Info. Sought | ||||||
| 10 Dec. 2025 | Approved | ||||||
| 18 | Damanganga (Ekdare) – Godavari intrastate link project (CCA: 12998ha) in 213.46 ha | NWDA | Nasik/ Maharashtra | Daman-ganga/ Godavari | 29 Jan. 2025 | For Amendment in ToR | Withdrawn as project parameters to change |
| 14 May 2025 | More Info. Sought | ||||||
| 30 June 2025 | Approved | ||||||
| 19 | Damanganga-Vaitarna-Godavari Intrastate Link Project in 1203.38 Ha | Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Develop-ment Corp | Palghar & Nashik, Maharashtra | Daman-ganga-Vaitarna-Godavari | 30 July 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 20 | Kamod Close Loop PSP (2000 Mw) (458.23 Ha) | MEIL | Nandurbar/ Maharashtra | Tapi | 29 Jan. 2025 | For ToR | Withdrawn as project parameters changed |
| 12 March 2025 | Approved | ||||||
| 21 | Ghosla Close Loop PSP (2000 Mw) (350 Ha) | MEIL | Jalgaon & Aurangabad/ Maharashtra | Sileru/ Godavari | 29 Jan. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 22 | Saidongar 1 – Karjat Open Loop PSP (3000 Mw) (377 Ha) | Torrent PSH 3 Pvt. Ltd. | Raigarh/ Maharashtra | Pej/ Ulhas | 29 Jan. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 14 May 2025 | Site visit report | ||||||
| 13 Oct. 2025 | For EC | Approved | |||||
| 23 | Saidongar 2 – Maval Open Loop PSP (1200 Mw) (141.44 Ha) | Torrent PSH 3 Pvt. Ltd. | Raigarh/ Maharashtra | Mula-Mutha/ Bhima/ Krishna | 29 Jan. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 24 | Khadakwasala Fursungi Tunnel Project substitute to New Mutha Right Bank Canal KM 1 to Km 34 in 23.8364 | WRD | Pune/ Maharashtra | Mutha/ Bhima/ Krishna | 15 April 2025 | For EC | More Info. Sought |
| 30 July 2025 | Approved | ||||||
| 25 | Guruvarya Late Laxmanraoji Inamdar Lift Irrigation Scheme (Jihe Kathapur), Phase I & II (CCA: 60437 Ha) in 173.614 | Ex Engr Jihe Kathapur Li Div Satara | Satara/ Maharashtra | Krishna | 14 May 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 26 | Ambegaon Open Loop PSP (600 Mw) in 69.41 Ha | Renew Hydro Power Pvt Ltd | Pune/ Maharashtra | Ghoda/ Bhima/ Krishna | 29 May 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 27 | Malshej Ghat Bhorande PSP (1500 Mw) | JSW Energy PSP II Ltd | Pune & Thane/ Maharashtra | Kalu/ Ulhas | 29 May 2025 | Consideration of site visit report | Approved |
| 12 Nov. 2025 | For ToR | Approved | |||||
| 28 | Koyna-Nivakane (Closed loop) PSP (2450 Mw) in 312.84 ha | Adani Green Energy Ltd | Satara/ Maharashtra | Kera/ Koyna/ Krishna | 11 July 2025 | Amendment in ToR | Approved |
| 29 | Kumbhe Open Loop PSP (1100 Mw) in 151.06 Ha | NTPC Ltd | Raigarh/ Maharashtra | Kal river | 12 Sept. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 30 | Pane PSP (l500 Mw) | JSW Energy PSP Seven Limited | Pune, Raigarh/ Maharashtra | Kera/ Koyna/ Krishna | 12 Sept. 2025 | Consideration of 27-28 June 2025 Site Visit Report | Approved |
| 19 Dec. 2025 | For EC | Approved | |||||
| 31 | Shirawta Open Loop PSP (1800 Mw) in 197.797 ha | Tata Power Company Ltd | Pune, Maharashtra | Narihalla/ Tungh-bhadra | 26 Sept. 2025 | For EC | Approved |
| 32 | Adnadi Close Loop PSP (1500 Mw) in 240.61 Ha | Adani Hydro Energy Ten Ltd | Amravati, Maharashtra | NA | 31 Oct. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 33 | Savitri Open Loop PSP (2400 Mw) in 310.76 Ha | NHPC Ltd | Satara & Raigarh Maharashtra | Savitri | 10 Dec. 2025 | For ToR | Deferred |
| 34 | Dharoi Open Loop PSP (500 MW) (146.12 Ha) | Gujarat State Electricity Corp Ltd | Banas Kantha & Mahesana/ Gujarat | Sabarmati | 14 Feb. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 35 | Sukhi Open Loop PSP (500 MW) (191.53 Ha) | Gujarat State Electricity Corp Ltd | Chota Udaipur/ Gujarat | Sukhi/ Narmada | 14 Feb. 2025 | For ToR | Returned |
Of all the 25 PSP proposals the maximum 13 were from Maharashtra state followed by 4 from Madhya Pradesh, 3 each from Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and 2 from Gujarat state. Of the 25 PSP proposals the EAC has approved ToR for 19 proposals including 9 from Maharashtra, 3 each from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and 1 from Gujarat state.
The EAC has also granted EC to 4 PSP proposals in 2025 all from Maharashtra state including Bhavali PSP (1500 Mw) on May 29, Shirawta Open Loop PSP (1800 Mw) on Sept. 26; Saidongar 1 – Karjat Open Loop PSP (3000 Mw) on Oct. 13 and Pane PSP (l500 Mw) on Dec. 19. The ToR and EC both were granted to Saidongar 1 – Karjat Open Loop PSP on Jan. 29 and on Oct. 13 respectively.
Of all the 25 PSP proposals, the EAC deferred ToR to only 3 PSP proposals including Sukhi Open Loop PSP (500 MW) in Gujarat on Feb. 14; Savitri Open Loop PSP (2400 Mw) in Maharashtra on Dec. 10 and Rewa Closed Loop PSP (600 Mw) in Madhya Pradesh on Dec. 19 as the PP was absent.
From remaining 10 proposals, the EAC has approved ToR & amendments in ToR for 7 proposals including 4 Irrigation Projects from Madhya Pradesh, 2 Intrastate River Link Projects from Maharashtra and 1 Lift Irrigation Project from Maharashtra. The EAC has also approved EC to 2 proposals from Maharashtra including Khadakwasala Fursungi Tunnel Project on July 30, 2025 and Expansion of Tembhu Lift Irrigation Project on Dec. 10, 2025.
South India
| SN | Project Name Cap. In Mw | Developer | District/ State | River/ Basin | Meeting Date | Proposal | Decisions |
| 1 | Pinnapuram Integrated PSP (1200 Mw) | Greenko AP01 IREP Private Ltd | Nandyal & Kurnool/ Andhra Pradesh | Krishna | 27 March 2025 | For Amendment in EC | Approved |
| 2 | Polavaram Banakacherla Link Project | State Govt | Andhra Pradesh | Godavari | 17 June 2025 | For ToR | Returned |
| 3 | Kamalapadu Closed Loop PSP (950 MW) in 359.61 ha | AP Power Generation Corp Ltd | Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh | Tungabhadra/ Krishna | 29 Aug. 2025 | For EC | Approved |
| 4 | Koppolu Open Loop PSP (2400 Mw) in 332.73 Ha | Chinta Green Energy Pvt Ltd | Y.S.R., Andhra Pradesh | Penna | 29 Aug. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 5 | Chittamvalasa Closed loop PSP (1800 Mw) in 318.6Ha | Navayuga Engg Company Ltd | A.S.R, Andhra Pradesh | Chintapalli Vagu/ Godavari | 12 Sept. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 6 | Gujjili Closed Loop PSP (2400 Mw) in 256.37 Ha | Navayuga Engg Company Ltd | A.S.R & Parvathi-puram Manyam, Andhra Pradesh | Bodderu/ Sarada | 12 Sept. 2025 | For ToR | Approved |
| 7 | Sharavathy PSP (2000 Mw) | KPCL | Uttara Kannada, Karnataka | Sharavathi | 27 Feb. 2025 | Site Visit Report 24-26.01.25 | |
| 8 | Saundatti PSP (1260 Mw) in 213.70 ha | Greenko KA01 IREP Pvt Ltd | Belagavi/ Karnataka | Mala-prabha/ Krishna | 29 May 2025 | Amendment in EC | Approved |
| 9 | Upper Bhavani Open Loop PSP (1000 Mw) (167.85 Ha) | NTPC & TN Energy Company Ltd | Nilgiris/ Tamil Nadu | Bhavani/ Cauvery | 14 Feb. 2025 | For ToR | Deferred |
| 15 April 2025 | Approved | ||||||
| 29 May 2025 | Site visit report | Approved |
In South Zone the EAC deliberated on 9 proposals from 3 states including Andhra Pradesh (6), Karnataka (2) and Tamil Nadu (1). Barring 1 Polavaram Banakacherla Link Project which the EAC has returned on June 17, the remaining 8 proposals were for PSPs. Of these, the EAC has approved ToR for 4 PSP proposals including 3 from Andhra Pradesh and 1 Upper Bhavani Open Loop PSP (1000 Mw) from Tamil Nadu.
The EAC has also approved EC to 1 PSP proposal namely Kamalapadu Close Loop PSP (950 Mw) on Aug. 29 in Andhra Pradesh and Amendment in EC for 2 PSP proposals including Pinnapuram Integrated PSP (1200 Mw) on March 27 in Andhra Pradesh and Saundatti PSP (1260 Mw) on May 29 in Karnataka. The Sharavathy PSP (2000 Mw) from Karnataka was only considered for site visit report on Feb. 27, 2025.
The date wise links for EAC 23 meeting minutes in 2025 can be seen in table below.
Some Relevant Decisions:
While considering the Sukhi Open loop PSP (500 MW) in Chota Udaipur, Gujarat, the EAC on Feb. 14 returned the ToR proposal observing that the “proposed project falls within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, as notified by the MoEF&CC vide S.O. 1316(E) dated 08.03.2019. According to this notification, the establishment of major hydro-electric projects is prohibited within the ESZ. In light of this restriction, the EAC advised the Project Proponent (PP) to reconsider the project’s location and explore alternative sites beyond the ESZ to ensure compliance with regulatory provisions.”
The EAC on Feb. 27 considered Harmonization and Optimization of EC Conditions for River valley and Hydro-electric sector and mentioned that the Member Secretary of the EAC informed the committee that the Ministry is in the process of harmonizing and optimizing EC conditions for River Valley and HEPs in consultation with the sectoral EAC. It was further stated that the EAC had previously discussed a similar process during its meeting on 13.08.2024, The EAC recommended for having a consultation with stakeholder such as MoJS, MoP, EIA consultants, Project Proponents and other subject area experts for addressing the recent environmental/social challenges in developing the River Valley and HEPs.
In same meeting, complying with NGT order regarding Rayalasema Lift Scheme of State of Andhra Pradesh, the EAC approved change in additional ToRs.
Though the EAC on June 30 approved ToR for Damanganga (Ekdare) – Godavari intrastate link project, it remarked that, “The Committee observed that significant alterations have been made to the project’s key components without prior consultation or concurrence from the CWC. Since CWC plays an important role in reviewing the technical aspects of such projects including hydrology, the Committee felt that their inputs should have been taken before making these revisions.”
Similarly, the EAC on July 11 granted ToR to Kadambari PSP closed-loop PSP in Rajasthan even after minutes noting water scarcity, excessive land requirements and asking the PP to optimise the same. In the same meeting deferring ToR for Khadkhai Medium Irrigation Project (Phase – II) in Odisha, the EAC advised that the proponent and their consultant must ensure the presence of technically qualified and well-informed representatives.
The EAC on Dec. 10 while deferring ToR to Savitri Open Loop PSP (2400 MW) in Maharashtra, suggested the Project Proponent to obtain the requisite NoC from the competent authority in accordance with the provisions of the Mahabaleshwar–Panchgani ESZ Notification, S.O. 52(E) dated 17.01.2001.
Summary: In 23 meetings held between Jan. 10 and Dec. 19, 2025, the EAC deliberated on 72 proposals including 14 from North, 14 from North East & East, 35 from West and 09 from South zones. The maximum 42 proposals considered in this period were for PSPs followed by 11 HEPs, 09 Irrigation, 3 River Interlinking, 2 Lift Irrigation, 2 Barrages, 1 Dam and 1 Drinking Water project. The remaining 1 proposal was regarding CIA & CCS of hydro projects on River Yamuna, Tons & its tributaries in Uttarakhand.
Barring 2 proposals including the CIA in Yamuna basin and field visit report of Sharavathy PSP, the EAC discussed 70 proposals for ECs and ToRs including extension and amendments in the proposals and approved 60 of the proposals in this period. Of 21 proposals considered, ECs were granted to 19 proposals while ToRs were approved for 41 proposals out of 49 taken up for the purpose.
Of total 70 proposals, the EAC considered 42 PSP proposals for ECs (8) and ToRs (34) of which ECs were granted to all 8 PSP proposals while ToR was approved for 28 PSP proposals during 2025. The Kandhaura PSP (1680 MW) in UP was first granted ToR on June 17 and then EC on July 30, 2025. Similarly, the Saidongar 1 – Karjat PSP (3000 Mw) in Maharashtra was first approved for ToR on Jan. 17 and then for EC on Oct. 13, 2025.
The EAC considered 11 HEP proposals 10 for EC and 1 for ToR and granted approval to all these proposals. This includes the Kalai II HEP 1200 Mw in Arunachal Pradesh which was first given ToR on June 17 and then provided EC on Dec. 19, 2025.
2024 FAC Decisions: The details of various hydro, dam and irrigation projects considered by FAC for forest clearances between Jan. 27 to Dec. 02, 2025 are given in table below.
| SN | Project Name Cap. in Mw | Developer | District/ State | River/ Basin | Meeting Date | Proposal | Decision |
| 1 | Morand – Ganjal Irrigation Project | NVDA | Hoshangabad, Betul, Harda & Khandwa, MP | Morand, Ganjal/ Narmada | 27 Jan. 2025 | Diversion of 2250.05 ha (instead of 2272.05 ha) forest land | Sub. Com. to visit the area |
| 26 May 2025 | Deferred till Sub. Com. report | ||||||
| 30 July 2025 | Deferred: Govt asked to follow Sub. Com. recommendation | ||||||
| 27 Oct. 2025 | Diversion of 811.29 Ha of forest land for Ganjal Dam out of 2250.05 ha | Approved | |||||
| 2 | Renuka Dam Project (40 Mw) | HPPCL | Sirmaur/ Himachal Pradesh | Giri/ Yamuna | 16 April 2025 | Non-forestry use of 909 ha (Original proposed 901.00 ha) of forest land | Approved change in conditions of stage I FC |
| 3 | Etalin HEP (3097 Mw) | SJVNL | Upper Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh | 26 May 2025 | Diversion of 1175.03 ha of forest land | Approved (In Principle) | |
| 4 | Sirkari Bhyol Rupsiabagar HEP | UJVNL | Pithoragarh/ Uttarakhand | Gauri-ganga/ Ghaghara | 26 May 2025 | Non-forestry use of 29.997 ha. of Forest land | Approved |
| 5 | Hathiyadeh Medium Irrigation project | EE, Water Resource Division III | Baran/ Rajasthan | Hathiyadeh Nallah/ Kul river/ Chambal | 26 May 2025 | Diversion of 286.47 ha. of forest land | Approved |
| 6 | Sawalkot HEP (1856 Mw) | NHPC Ltd | Udhampur, Reasi and Ramban, Jammu & Kashmir | Chenab/ Indus | 24 June 2025 | Diversion of 847.17 ha. of Reserved Forest and Jungle-jhari land | Approved |
| 7 | Hidsing Irrigation Project | Cuttack of Water Resource Dept | Angul, Odisha | Bauli Nallah/ Brahmani River. | 26 Sept. 2025 | Diversion of 87.520 ha of forest land | More Info Sought: Elephant Corridor affected. |
| 8 | Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project | Visvesvaraya Jala Nigam Limited | Hassan & Tumkur, Karnataka | Netravati River | 27 Oct. 2025 | Diversion of 111.0277 ha (originally proposed area is 173.3105 Ha) of forest land | Deferred: More Information Sought |
| 9 | Sharavathy PSP: 2000 Mw | KPCL, MEIL | Shivamogga & Uttara Kannada Karnataka | Sharavathi River | 27 Oct. 2025 | Diversion of 54.155 ha of forest land | Deferred: More information Sought. |
| 10 | Bhavali PSP (1500 MW) | JSW Energy PSP Two Limited | Thane & Nasik/ Maharashtra | Bham/ Darna/ Godavari | 02 Dec. 2025 | Non-forestry use of 243.74 ha. (Shahapur Division 181.45 ha and West Nasik Division 62.29 Ha) of forest land | Deferred: More Information Sought |
In 08 meetings held between Jan. 27 to Dec. 02, 2025, the FAC considered 10 proposals seeking diversion of about 5994.1597 hectares (ha) of forest lands for 3 hydro, 2 dams, 2 PSPs, 2 Irrigation and 1 Drinking Water projects. 6 of the proposals were cleared while 4 were deferred by the FAC during this period.
The 6 approved proposals including 3 HEPs (847.17 ha for Sawalkot in J&K, 1175.03 ha for Etalin in Arunachal Pradesh and 29.997 ha for Sirkari Bhyol in Uttarakhand) 2 dams (811.29 ha for Ganjal dam in Madhya Pradesh, 909 ha for Renuka dam in Himachal Pradesh) and Hathiyadeh Medium Irrigation Project (286.47 ha) in Rajasthan cumulatively facilitated diversion of 4058.957 ha of forest lands.
All the 3 HEPs Sawalkot in Chenab basin, Etalin in Dibang basin and Sirkari Bhyol in Ghaghara basin have been granted in principle (Stage-I) forest clearance by the FAC. For Renuka dam project seeking diversion of 909 ha of forest land for non-forestry use in Yamuna basin, the FAC on April 16 approved change in conditions of Stage I Forest Clearance.
The FAC considered the Morand – Ganjal Irrigation Project in Narmada basin seeking diversion of 2250.05 ha of forest land four times in the year and cleared diversion of 811.29 ha of forest land for Ganjal Dam on Oct. 27, 2025.
Seeking more information the FAC deferred 4 proposals including Hidsing Irrigation Project (87.520 ha) on Sept. 16; Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project (111.0277 ha); Sharavathy PSP (54.155 ha) on Oct. 27 and Bhavali PSP (243.74 ha) on Dec. 02, 2025.
The details of all HEP, Dam, Irrigation projects granted EC and ToR by EAC and FC by FAC can be seen here.
The date wise link of FAC meetings’ minutes can be seen in table below.
Some Relevant Reports
Flawed, dishonest Kalai-II HEP EIA It’s heartening to see the Editorial in Arunachal Times about what it calls the flawed, dishonest, cut and paste Environment Impact Assessment report of the Kalai-II Hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh. NEHR has written about this to the Anjaw district Deputy Commissioner and one hopes the DC has the courage to take appropriate action: Halt the public hearing and ask the project proponent to get a proper EIA done by a competent and honest consultant. WAPCOS Ltd, which has done the current flawed EIA has been known to do such flawed EIAs on numerous occasions in the past as we have written about it and also informed the MoEF, Expert Appraisal Committee on River Valley Committee, without any impact so far unfortunately.
It is good to see that NEHR has gone a step forward and sent legal notice to WAPCOS and we hope not only NEHR takes WAPCOS to NGT/ Courts, but the judicial agency does take action to reject the EIA and recommend blacklisting of the EIA agency. Unfortunately, the track record of NGT and judicial bodies so far is far from encouraging in this regard, but one hopes there is always possibility of a change.
In fact, we have yet to see what can be called an honest EIA of a river valley project in India and have been asking all concerned for years to show us one. So far there has been only deafening silence by way of response. There is of course the political economics behind this situation. Why should an EIA consultant give a problematic EIA report if the masters, the project proponents only want a positive EIA report? Particularly as the consultant wants to remain in EIA business and get more EIA consultancy jobs?
ACT condemns fresh EC to damaged Teesta III HEP The Affected Citizen of Teesta (ACT), condemned the MoEF&CC decision to amend the EC for the project on Jan. 10, 2025 for rebuilding the 1200 MW Teesta III dam project. The EAC decision raised questions because the design of the new structure has not been cleared by the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Geological Survey and Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS). Demanding immediate cancellation of the approval, local people opposed the EAC clearance to Teesta III without fresh EIA, Public hearing or appraisal. Shockingly, the project stands cleared based on old, flawed EIA that is at the root of the Teesta III dam getting washed away in Oct 2023.
HEPs expansion without changes in key design, exempted from CIA An office memorandum issued by the Impact Assessment Division of MoEFCC in Feb. 2025 said that the ministry received representation from the ministry of power regarding exemption from impact assessment studies for expansion proposal of existing projects in a given river basin. “The matter has been examined in consultation with the EAC and accordingly it is clarified that expansion proposals of existing HEPs, which do not result in any change in reservoir capacity (Full Reservoir Level – FRL and Dam height), environmental flow and modification in key components like spillway, intake gates, may be carried out after joint appraisal of the EIA/EMP of existing HEPs as well as the EIA/EMP of the proposed expansion project rather than undertaking a fresh CIA/CSS study,” said MoEF.
Experts stressed that both fresh environmental assessment and cumulative impact assessment are critical in view of new threats from the climate crisis. “Take the example of Teesta III project in Sikkim. That project should have been appraised as a new project considering that the earlier environmental clearance came in close to two decades back and the project is now undergoing such huge changes and also there is change in situation in the river basin and also new upstream threats and climate change. Not doing fresh appraisal, fresh EIA, fresh public hearing etc does not make any environmental sense. Secondly, unfortunately, we not seen any credible CIA-CC study that really looks at the cumulative impacts in scientific, comprehensive way,” said Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of SANDRP.
FAC goes against its earlier decisions to approve Etalin HEP The FAC in its meeting on May 26 2025 has given in principle approval without addressing the issues raised in FAC’s earlier meetings on the 3097 Mw Etalin HEP. The FAC had rejected the project in Dibang basin in December 2022 primarily on two grounds. One, the project was originally submitted in 2014 and FAC said it was imperative to review the facts and figures presented, especially regarding tree felling. Secondly, owing to the biodiversity and wildlife protection concerns raised, a sub-committee of the FAC had recommended further assessments and safeguards.
This included a multi-seasonal replicate biodiversity study, as was already directed by FAC in 2017, and a cumulative impact assessment, since multiple hydroelectric projects are planned in Dibang valley. A wildlife conservation plan, instead of a multi-season biodiversity study, was carried out by the Wildlife Institute of India and submitted in 2019. However, since it was carried out over just four months, the FAC sub-committee had insisted on the multiple-season study again in December 2022.
The minutes of the 2022 meeting said that “After going through the facts of the proposal and submissions made by the Nodal Officer, and in view of the various issues viz. wildlife, observations made in the reports of the Sub-committee, concerns raised by the locals, the committee opined that the instant proposal cannot be considered in the present form and the revised proposal may be submitted for further consideration by the state government.”
The WII study was also heavily panned by 29 independent Indian conservationists in a peer-reviewed paper for inaccurate wildlife documentation, scientific deficiencies among other things. Specifically, the WII study had reported a species of African bat and long-tailed house bat, not found in India. Minutes of the FAC’s May 26 meeting as well as documents submitted to the Centre show that the FAC relied on the existing WII study, as well as the existing cumulative impact assessment.
EAC clears Oju HEP The EAC while recommending the project for EC directed the company to include Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) and flash flood scenarios while constructing the hydropower plant. It asked the company to establish real-time monitoring and EWS) at the project site in coordination with the state disaster management authority (SDMA) and local administration, along with community awareness and mock drills for preparedness.
Etalin HEP gets EC The EAC on July 30 recommended EC for the 3,097 Mw Etalin HEP. The project’s estimated cost stands at Rs 30,037.36 crore. The project requires a land area of 1,175.03 hectares, all classified as unclassed forest land. Stage-I forest clearance was granted by the MoEF&CC on June 20.
EAC recommends EC to Sawalkote HEP During appraisal on Sept 26, the EAC noted that since the project could not move forward after 2017, a fresh proposal was submitted with updated baseline studies. Primary data for the earlier EIA had been collected in 2012; the project proponent has now gathered new data across three seasons – monsoon (July 2022), winter (Jan 2023) and pre-monsoon (May 2023).
Under the Ministry’s norms, projects that fail to secure in-principle forest clearance within 18 months must update baseline studies. The EAC noted no significant changes in environmental baseline data from 2012 to 2023, though it recorded “an increasing influence of anthropogenic activities such as domestic wastewater discharge, road construction, and runoff from settlements and agricultural areas on water bodies”.
On the issue of public hearing, the panel said a fresh one was not required since key project features such as location, technical parameters, land requirement, and affected villages remain unchanged. The last hearing was held in January 2016 in Udhampur and Ramban. The Chenab basin already hosts three operational projects – the 390 MW Dulhasti in Kishtwar, the 890 MW Baglihar in Ramban, and the 690 MW Salal in Reasi.
Sirkari Bhyol HEP gets FAC’s nod The FAC on May 26 gave an in-principal approval to a proposal seeking the transfer of 29.997 hectares of forest land for the proposed 120 Mw Sirkari Bhyol Rupasiyabagh HEP on the Gauriganga river.
HC to hear plea questioning no need for EC for HEPs >25 Mw capacity The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued notices to Cenral Govt, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources and HP Govt on a petition challenging the notification that hydropower projects below 25 Mw do not need environment clearance. Next hearing was on Oct 29. (We don’t have latest update on the case as of now)
SANDRP
SANDRP 