Why India's biggest hydropower project is coming up near China
The Indian government just cleared the massive Oju hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh, right near the China border.
With a 2,220-megawatt capacity and a price tag over ₹24,942 crore, it'll have a 100-meter dam and an underground powerhouse—making it one of India's largest hydro projects so far.
Safety concerns in earthquake-prone zone
The project could generate enough power for millions each year (8,402 million units), but building it won't be easy.
The site sits in India's most earthquake-prone zone and faces tricky river conditions—so safety is a huge concern.
Displacement of tribal communities
About 750 hectares of forest will be used, affecting mostly tribal communities who've raised concerns about compensation, ecology, and sacred sites.
After public pushback in 2024, officials are requiring early warning systems for floods, community drills, and an environmental review five years after launch to help protect both people and nature.