Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: The National Green Tribunal has officially admitted an appeal challenging the environmental clearance for the 3,097-MW Etalin Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh. A three-member bench in Kolkata issued the order on August 12, 2026. The tribunal opted to waive a 58-day filing delay to allow the case to proceed. The project, proposed by SJVN Limited, covers 1,175.03 hectares across the Adapowa, Aguli, and Emuli villages within the Etalin and Anini sub-districts.
Appellant Lakhyajyoti Gogoi, represented by Advocate Vikram Rajkhowa, filed the challenge against the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The Ministry issued the original clearance on August 23, 2025. Gogoi argued he was unaware of the approval until September 2025, citing delays in securing legal advice and navigating court vacations. SJVN Limited opposed the delay, labeling the plea untenable. The company argued that the clearance was public knowledge and that the appellant failed to prove sufficient cause for the late filing.
The NGT ignored the corporate objection. It chose to focus on the broader impact of the project rather than strict technicalities. The bench noted that the appellant's explanation regarding his lack of knowledge and the search for counsel "cannot be said to be lacking in bona fides." The tribunal emphasized that environmental cases require a liberal approach to ensure justice. This ruling does not invalidate the project approval. It simply clears the way for a deeper look at the merits of the challenge. The tribunal has ordered the Ministry of Environment and SJVN Limited to submit their formal replies before the next hearing on October 15, 2026.
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