India, Jan. 5 -- A Union Environment Ministry panel has recommended environmental clearance for the 1,200-MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district.

The move comes amid criticism from environmentalists and local residents, who say the project's environmental assessment ignored the presence of the critically endangered white-bellied heron in the area.

The expert appraisal committee (EAC) had previously requested a detailed conservation plan for the heron while clearing the 1,750-MW Lower Demwe project on the same river in 2020.

According to official records, the EAC approved clearance for Kalai-II during its December 19 meeting.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was prepared by W...