3 Things Clearance to Etalin hydel project, ads on WhatsApp, and US strikes Iran
Jun 23, 2025
Nikhil Ghanekar, an environmental reporter for The Indian Express, discusses the recent clearance of the Etalin hydropower project and its potential impact on the rich biodiversity of the Dibang Valley. Karan Mahadik, a tech writer from the same publication, dives into WhatsApp's controversial decision to introduce ads and what this means for users and competition. The conversation also touches on the U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, emphasizing the escalating tensions and global consequences.
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Etalin Project Clearance Insight
- The 3,000 MW Etalin hydro project in Arunachal Pradesh got in-principle forest clearance despite biodiversity concerns.
- This clearance allows diversion of 1100+ hectares of forest, cutting nearly 280,000 trees in the biodiverse Dibang Valley.
FAC Reversed Clearance on Etalin
- The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) initially rejected the Etalin project in 2022 citing need for fresh biodiversity and cumulative impact studies.
- However, it granted clearance later relying on previous biodiversity reports, raising questions on environmental assessment rigor.
Indigenous Community Impact & Rights
- Local indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh hold cultural and livelihood ties to forest land impacted by hydropower projects.
- These communities are entitled to rehabilitation but their traditional forest stewardship complicates land use policies.