Kala-II Hydroelectric Project and the White-bellied Heron Context: The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC), operating under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has granted in-principle forest clearance for the 'Kala-II Hydroelectric Project'. This has sparked concerns regarding the potential impacts that the project could have on the habitat of the White-bellied Heron. Kala-II Hydroelectric Project The 'Kala-II Hydroelectric Project', with a capacity of 1,200 MW, is a run-of-river scheme proposed by THDC India Limited. The project is situated in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, located in close proximity to the India-China border The project involves the construction of a 128.5-meter-high concrete gravity dam, along with an associated underground powerhouse. White-bellied Heron Scientific Name: Ardea insignis Ecological Significance: It is considered a key indicator species reflecting the health and integrity of riverine ecosystems. IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered. Globally, the distribution of this species is extremely limited; it is primarily found in Bhutan, India, and Myanmar. Within India, it is predominantly found only in specific pockets of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Threats Posed by the Project The Lohit River basin serves as one of the most critical habitats for the 'White-bellied Heron'. Reports indicate that these herons have been sighted in areas such as Walong, Sengkhung, and the Kamlang Tiger Reserve area, which is situated in the lower reaches of the river. Since forests and riverbank areas are liable to become submerged, there is a risk that the sites essential for the breeding, foraging, and nesting of storks could be destroyed; this poses a grave threat to the very survival of the species. Babesiosis Infection Context: The deaths of eight lion cubs in Gujarat—suspected to be caused by a Babesiosis infection—have raised concerns regarding the health and safety of Asiatic lions. Babesiosis is a parasitic infection…
