Guwahati, Oct. 22 -- National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has sought approval from the Union Environment Ministry to divert 3,278 hectares of forest land in Arunachal Pradesh for its proposed 1,720 MW Kamala hydroelectric project, a move that could lead to the felling of 23.4 lakh trees.

The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Union Environment Ministry is scheduled to examine the forest diversion proposal on October 23, according to its official agenda.

The proposed diversion covers forest areas across Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey and Kamle districts. Official documents show that 23,40,213 trees have been earmarked for felling, including 15.08 lakh in the Hapoli forest division and 8.31 lakh in the Kra Daadi division.

The pro...